HD Deve Gowda writes to Shivraj Singh Chouhan over Mango crisis in Karnataka
Former Prime Minister and Rajya Sabha MP H D Deve Gowda has written to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, seeking urgent Central intervention to address the deepening agrarian crisis faced by mango growers in Karnataka.
The letter, dated June 22, 2025, highlights the collapse in mango prices, weather-induced crop losses, and inter-state trade disruptions that have left thousands of small farmers in financial distress.
Drawing attention to Karnataka’s role as a key horticultural state, Gowda noted, “Karnataka is a leading producer of horticultural crops in India. As part of India, the largest fruit producer globally, Karnataka contributes significantly to this reputation.”
He pointed out that mango, a major horticultural crop in the state, is cultivated across 1.39 lakh hectares in districts including Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, and Ramanagara. The expected production during the Rabi season was 8–10 lakh tonnes, but “due to weather vagaries and diseases, the mango yield has dropped to less than 30% this year,” the letter read.
Adding to the crisis, heavy arrivals between May and June caused prices to plummet from ₹12,000 per quintal to just ₹3,000 per quintal, well below the average cultivation cost of ₹5,466. “This has financially stressed farmers, with many small and marginal mango growers unable to cover basic costs, leading to protests,” Gowda wrote.
He also flagged Andhra Pradesh’s ban on Totapuri mangoes entering the Chittoor district as a serious disruption to the supply chain. The ban, he said, “risks post-harvest losses for Karnataka’s border mango growers leading to protests in many districts, especially in Kolar and Chikkaballapura.”
Citing these compounded challenges, Gowda urged the Central Government to direct NAFED to begin procurement of mangoes under the Price Deficiency Payment (PDP) and Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), which would ensure farmers receive fair prices through direct purchase, including through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
“I request the Central Government instruct NAFED to procure mangoes under the Price Deficiency Payment and Market Intervention Scheme. This will support farmers by ensuring fair prices through direct purchases,” he stated.
Concluding his appeal, Gowda expressed confidence that the Ministry would act promptly: “I trust that the Central Government will promptly take appropriate actions to support Karnataka’s mango growers by providing adequate financial benefits under various schemes.”
The letter underlines the urgency and scale of the crisis engulfing Karnataka’s mango sector. Both state and central cooperation, he stressed, is essential to protect the livelihoods of thousands of struggling farmers.