Kumaraswamy seeks Centre's help for Karnataka mango farmers amid crisis

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has urged the Centre to implement the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme for Karnataka's mango farmers. Citing severe distress from falling prices, he seeks support to ensure fair returns for growers in the state.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday wrote to Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking implementation of the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) for mango farmers in Karnataka for 2026-27. In the letter, Kumaraswamy highlighted the "severe distress" faced by mango growers in the state due to falling prices. He requested that PDPS be extended through the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to ensure fair returns to farmers.

Falling Prices Hit Mango Growers

Stressing on mango production in the state, Kumaraswamy stated that Karnataka is one of the leading mango-producing states, with cultivation spread over 1.45 lakh hectares. Estimated production for the current season is nearly 10 lakh metric tonnes. Major growing districts include Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Dharwad, Tumakuru, and Haveri.

Pointing to the price distress, he said that due to market fluctuations and seasonal gluts, farmers are forced to sell below remunerative levels. The Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission has assessed the Cost C-3 of mango cultivation at ₹3,951 per quintal, while prevailing market prices remain substantially lower.

Livelihoods at Stake

Focusing on the farmers' impact through mango production, he said that thousands of families depend on mango horticulture for their livelihood. Low prices, after high spending on cultivation, irrigation, labour, and harvesting, have led to considerable financial losses.

PDPS Scheme Urged as a Solution

Kumaraswamy further stated that the PDPS would bridge the gap between market prices and remunerative prices without causing market distortions. He urged the Centre to act in coordination with the Karnataka government to provide income protection, especially in districts like Kolar.

"I request you to kindly examine the matter sympathetically and consider providing appropriate support to mango growers in Karnataka under the PDPS scheme, in the larger interest of farmers and the horticulture sector," Kumaraswamy wrote.

India's Mango Exports See Growth

Earlier in the day, in an interview with ANI, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev stated that India's mango exports have expanded to more than 45 countries this season, with shipments to the United States already surpassing last year's full-season volumes nearly a month before the season concludes. (ANI)

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