Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has instructed the formation of a high-level expert committee under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to address the challenges faced by Totapuri mango growers in Andhra Pradesh. The decision comes after farmers reported a significant drop in prices of the Totapuri mango variety, impacting their incomes and causing financial strain.
The expert committee, to be set up by ICAR, will consist of scientists and representatives from relevant institutions. It will conduct a thorough evaluation of the Totapuri mango sector, analyzing aspects such as cultivation, processing, marketing, and trade. The committee aims to propose effective measures to enhance farmers’ earnings and ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Chouhan has urged the committee to visit key Totapuri mango-growing areas in Andhra Pradesh within the next ten days. During these visits, the committee will engage with farmers, industry representatives, exporters, officials from the State Horticulture Department, and other stakeholders. This interaction will provide insights into the current scenario and help in formulating informed strategies for the sector’s improvement.
The committee’s scope includes assessing various factors influencing Totapuri mango cultivation, production costs, processing capabilities, demand-supply dynamics, and the reasons behind the recent price decline in both domestic and export markets. By identifying challenges across the value chain and exploring avenues for enhancing efficiency and market access, the committee aims to develop evidence-based policies for the sector’s benefit.
