In a significant step to support mango farmers and strengthen India’s horticulture sector, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed the formation of a high-level expert committee under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to examine the issues affecting Totapuri mango growers in Andhra Pradesh. The committee has been tasked with assessing the challenges across the entire value chain and recommending long-term measures to improve farmers’ incomes and ensure the sustainable growth of the sector.
The decision comes in the wake of the Union Minister’s recent visit to Andhra Pradesh, where he held direct interactions with Totapuri mango growers. During these meetings, farmers expressed concern over the sharp decline in the prices of Totapuri mangoes, a variety widely cultivated for the processing industry. They informed the Minister that the continued fall in market prices has significantly reduced their earnings, placing many farming families under financial strain.
Responding promptly to these concerns, Shri Chouhan instructed ICAR to establish a committee comprising leading scientists and representatives from key institutions associated with horticulture and agricultural research. The committee has been assigned the responsibility of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the Totapuri mango sector, covering cultivation, processing, marketing, domestic trade and export opportunities.
According to an office order issued by the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow, the committee will be chaired by Dr. T. Damodaran, Director of ICAR-CISH. Other members include Dr. M. Shankaran, Head of the Fruit Crops Division at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru; Dr. H.S. Singh, Principal Scientist at ICAR-CISH; Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy, Professor at the College of Horticulture, Anantharajupeta, under Dr. YSR Horticultural University; and the Director of Horticulture, Government of Andhra Pradesh, or a nominated representative.
The committee has been directed to undertake field visits to major Totapuri mango-growing districts in Andhra Pradesh within the next ten days. During these visits, members will interact with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, representatives of the mango processing industry, exporters, officials of the State Horticulture Department, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and other participants in the mango value chain. These consultations are expected to provide first-hand insights into the prevailing challenges and opportunities in the sector.
As part of its mandate, the committee will evaluate the present status of Totapuri mango cultivation, production costs, farmers’ income levels, processing infrastructure, utilisation of processing capacity, demand-supply trends and the factors responsible for the recent decline in domestic and export market prices. It will also identify bottlenecks affecting different stages of the value chain and explore opportunities to improve competitiveness, market access and overall efficiency.
The assessment will be based on scientific analysis, field observations and stakeholder consultations. The committee is expected to prepare a detailed report identifying the reasons behind the fall in Totapuri mango prices and suggesting evidence-based policy measures that can provide lasting solutions to the problems faced by growers.
Once the field study is completed, the committee will submit its report to the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. The report is expected to recommend measures for price stabilisation, promotion of value-added products, expansion of processing and export capacities, stronger coordination among Farmer Producer Organisations, processors and exporters, and policy interventions aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Totapuri mango sector.
The recommendations will serve as a roadmap for coordinated action by both the Central and Andhra Pradesh Governments to strengthen the mango value chain and improve market opportunities for growers.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said protecting the income and livelihoods of Totapuri mango growers remains a top priority. He emphasised that the government would carefully consider the committee’s recommendations and take appropriate steps to provide sustainable support to farmers, encourage value addition, boost exports, attract investment and generate employment across the horticulture sector.
The initiative reflects the government’s focus on addressing market-related challenges through scientific evaluation and stakeholder participation, while laying the foundation for a more resilient and competitive Totapuri mango industry in India.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
