Agriculture Ministry Forms Expert Panel to Resolve Totapuri Mango Growers' Crisis
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The Union Agriculture Ministry has established a high-level expert panel under ICAR to address the severe challenges faced by Totapuri mango growers in Andhra Pradesh. This proactive step aims to alleviate financial distress, stabilize market prices, and enhance the value chain for this crucial processing variety.
The Totapuri Mango: A Processing Powerhouse
The Totapuri mango, distinctively beak-shaped and known for its tangy-sweet flavor, holds immense significance in India's horticulture sector, particularly for the processing industry. It is extensively cultivated, primarily in Andhra Pradesh, where it constitutes an estimated 15-20% of the state's total mango production. Major growing districts include Chittoor, Tirupati, Kadapa, Krishna, Annamayya, and Vizianagaram. Its robust flesh and consistent quality make it ideal for producing pulp, concentrates, and purees, which are then utilized in a wide array of products such as beverages, jams, savory dishes, and even blended with other mango pulps like Alphonso and Kesar to enhance flavor and aroma. A significant portion, around 60%, of the Totapuri produce is typically exported to international markets in West Asia and Europe, including Dubai, Iran, and Iraq, highlighting its global demand.
The Plight of Totapuri Mango Growers
Despite its critical role in the processing industry and strong export potential, Totapuri mango growers have recently faced a severe crisis, leading to considerable financial stress and adversely affecting their incomes. Farmers reported a significant decline in the prices of Totapuri mangoes, with open market rates plummeting to as low as ₹5-6 per kg, far below cultivation costs. This crisis is attributed to multiple factors:
- Oversupply and Lack of Processing Capacity: A bumper crop coupled with insufficient processing units has led to an oversupply in the market. In some regions, fruit pulp-making units have been reluctant to procure due to piled-up stock from previous years, with reports indicating 2.75 lakh tonnes of mango pulp produced in Chittoor district in 2024 were not exported due to geopolitical issues and an economic slowdown.
- Inter-State Trade Disputes: A ban imposed by the Chittoor district administration in Andhra Pradesh on the entry of Totapuri mangoes from neighboring Karnataka further exacerbated the market disruption, unsettling a well-established supply chain and affecting farmers in both states.
- Quality Concerns: Issues like unexpected rainfall, the use of hormone-induced production leading to excessive yields, and the application of excessive chemicals have been cited as reasons for poor fruit quality, impacting export potential.
- Inadequate Value Addition: Despite its versatility, inadequate processing and value addition have resulted in lower prices, preventing farmers from realizing the full economic potential of their produce.
A Swift Response: Formation of the Expert Panel
In a crucial move to address this pressing issue, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, directed the constitution of a high-level expert committee. This decision came after his recent visit to Andhra Pradesh, where he personally interacted with Totapuri mango growers who expressed their concerns about the plummeting prices. The Minister emphasized that safeguarding the income and livelihoods of Totapuri mango growers is a top priority for the Government.
The expert committee has been formed under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), signaling a scientifically driven and comprehensive approach to the problem. Dr. T. Damodaran, Director of the ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow, has been appointed to chair this significant panel. The committee is expected to undertake field visits to the major Totapuri mango-growing regions of Andhra Pradesh within 10 days of its formation to gain a ground-level understanding of the situation.
Panel's Key Objectives and Mandate
The newly formed expert panel has been entrusted with a comprehensive mandate to thoroughly investigate the challenges and propose actionable solutions. Its key objectives include:
- Holistic Assessment: To conduct a detailed examination of the current status of Totapuri mango cultivation, including production costs, farmers' incomes, processing capacity, and utilization.
- Market Dynamics Analysis: To analyze the demand-supply dynamics and identify the specific factors contributing to the recent decline in prices within both domestic and export markets.
- Value Chain Scrutiny: To assess the challenges impacting different stages of the entire Totapuri mango value chain, from cultivation and processing to marketing, domestic trade, and exports.
- Stakeholder Consultation: To engage with various stakeholders, including farmers, representatives of the processing industry, exporters, officials from the State Horticulture Department, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), to gather diverse perspectives and insights.
- Recommendation Formulation: To prepare a detailed assessment based on field observations, consultations, and scientific analysis, and recommend suitable interventions to improve farmers' returns and strengthen the sector sustainably.
Towards Sustainable Solutions and a Brighter Future
The establishment of this expert panel is a critical step towards developing sustainable solutions for Totapuri mango growers. The recommendations from the committee are expected to form the basis for coordinated action by both the Central and State Governments. Past and ongoing initiatives offer a glimpse into potential strategies, such as the Andhra Pradesh government's efforts to implement a support price, ensuring farmers receive at least ₹12 per kg. Additionally, the Union government has already moved to procure 2.16 lakh metric tons of Totapuri mangoes under the market intervention scheme in Andhra Pradesh.
Long-term solutions may also involve strengthening export infrastructure, similar to initiatives seen at the UP Mango Festival 2026, which focused on establishing pack houses and utilizing AI-driven agriculture for better quality and market access. Promoting value addition by developing diverse mango products like ice cream, lassi, cakes, and jellies, as suggested by industry experts, could also boost demand and create employment opportunities. Furthermore, schemes like the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) already provide assistance for high-density plantations, and technologies like fruit cover bags are being promoted to improve fruit quality and protect against pests and environmental damage. The private sector is also contributing; for instance, Coca-Cola India's 'Project Mango Unnati' focuses on sustainable cultivation practices, rejuvenation techniques, and high-density plantations for Totapuri and Alphonso varieties.
Conclusion
The formation of an expert panel to address the challenges faced by Totapuri mango growers in Andhra Pradesh marks a significant commitment from the Agriculture Ministry to support a vital agricultural community. With a mandate to conduct a thorough review of the entire value chain and propose evidence-based policy interventions, the committee's work is eagerly anticipated. The goal is not just to mitigate the current crisis but to lay the groundwork for a more resilient, profitable, and sustainable future for Totapuri mango cultivation in India, ensuring the prosperity of its dedicated farmers.