Mango farmers in Andhra Pradesh are facing a significant crisis, particularly those growing the Totapuri variety in the Chittoor, Tirupati, and Annamayya districts. A combination of falling prices, export difficulties, and interstate trade conflicts has created a challenging environment for these agricultural producers. Compounding their woes are looming US tariffs, a ban on mango imports from Karnataka, and ongoing political tensions between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). In contrast, the Karnataka government has responded proactively to support its farmers, drawing attention to the shortcomings of Andhra Pradesh’s strategy.
Price Drops and Export Issues
Andhra Pradesh is a key player in mango production, with the state cultivating Totapuri mangoes over 398,000 hectares and producing an estimated 4.985 million metric tonnes annually. The Chittoor district, a vital growing region, supports approximately 76,700 farmers across 80,000 hectares, yielding around 750,000 MT each year. About 30% of the processed mango pulp from Chittoor’s 42 processing units is typically exported, mainly to the Middle East and Europe. This season's bumper crop has paradoxically resulted in a drastic decrease in prices, with Totapuri mangoes selling for as little as ₹2–3 per kg, down from ₹12,000 per quintal last year. Processing plants, already burdened with unsold stock from previous seasons, have delayed procurement, attributing this to reduced demand from multinational firms and export markets.
The global market landscape, heavily influenced by the Ukraine conflict, has further limited mango pulp exports. The uncertainty surrounding potential US tariffs has added another layer of complexity. Concerns about these tariffs disrupted India’s mango exports in April, with procedural challenges at irradiation facilities causing consignment rejections. Exports resumed by May 10 with a shipment of 185.75 MT sent to the US from Mumbai, but the earlier disruption resulted in hefty losses for exporters. Moreover, stringent US import regulations, including irradiation requirements not fully met in Andhra Pradesh, compel farmers to depend on facilities in Karnataka—raising their operational costs.
AP's Import Ban on Karnataka Mangoes
On June 7, 2025, the Chittoor district collector implemented a ban on Totapuri mango imports from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, aiming to shield local farmers from an influx of cheaper produce. Karnataka’s mangoes are undercutting the fixed procurement price of ₹8 per kg in Andhra Pradesh, coupled with a ₹4 per kg subsidy that makes a total of ₹12 per kg. The ban, enforced by teams at state borders, was designed to stabilize prices but ignited a fierce dispute with Karnataka. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh criticized the ban as "unilateral" and harmful to their farmers dependent on Chittoor’s processing facilities. Siddaramaiah warned of possible retaliatory actions, including blocking vegetable exports from Andhra Pradesh, which could further escalate interstate tensions. In response, Karnataka sought central government intervention through a Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) and Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). By June 22, an agreement was reached to compensate farmers for 250,000 MT of mangoes—25% of Karnataka’s 1 million MT production—at ₹16 per kg, easing the crisis for their farmers.
TDP-Led NDA Govt Under Scrutiny
The TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has faced backlash for its handling of the crisis. To mitigate falling prices, the state rolled out a ₹4 per kg subsidy on June 6, beginning procurement on June 9. By July 5, over 290,000 MT had been procured from nearly 49,000 farmers in Chittoor and Tirupati districts, with a procurement target of 550,000 MT at a total cost of ₹220 crore. Command control rooms have been established, and special officers deployed to facilitate procurement, aiming to reassure farmers with promises of unlimited procurement and timely subsidy payments.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has also sought assistance from the central government, requesting a ₹130 crore Market Intervention Scheme and a GST exemption for mango pulp (currently at 12%) to enhance demand. Despite these efforts, critics—including the YSRCP and CPI(M)—argue that these measures fall short. The CPI(M) has called for ₹500 crore in central support and direct procurement by state agencies, accusing pulp industry owners of collusion to fix prices unacceptably low at ₹2–3 per kg.
The YSRCP claims that the NDA government has lagged behind Karnataka, which has effectively secured central intervention. YSRCP leaders contend that the TDP's response has been reactive, triggered by public outcry following YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s planned visit to Bangarupalem on July 9. They allege that the government's restrictions on Jagan’s tour, limiting gatherings to 500 participants and imposing logistical barriers, indicate political insecurity rather than a genuine commitment to addressing farmers’ needs.
YS Jagan’s Chittoor Tour Sparks Row
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy visit to the Bangarupalem mango market yard on July 9 has intensified the political tug-of-war. The YSRCP positions the tour as a genuine effort to spotlight farmers’ challenges, accusing the NDA government of neglecting the crisis. However, TDP leaders dismiss it as a "political stunt" and point out that the YSRCP government failed to offer similar subsidies during previous price crashes between 2021 and 2023. Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad alleged that YSRCP figures, especially the Peddireddi family, were being opportunistic, leveraging their control over pulp factories for political gain. Due to law and order concerns, the Chittoor police granted conditional permission for Jagan's visit, restricting attendees to 500 and limiting the number at the helipad to 30, prompting YSRCP to decry this as “state-sponsored harassment.”
Amid police restrictions, thousands of YSRCP followers attended YS Jagan’s Bangarupalem tour. As expected, chaos erupts during Jagan’s tour. Now, the situation has shifted the focus from agricultural issues to political blame games, with each party challenging the other to engage in public debates over the plight of farmers.
Karnataka’s Quick Action and Central Assistance
Karnataka’s approach stands in stark contrast to Andhra Pradesh’s response. Faced with a similar crisis, where prices plummeted from ₹12,000 to ₹3,000 per quintal, the Karnataka government moved quickly, securing central support for 250,000 MT under the MIS at ₹16 per kg. The state has also underscored the necessity for more processing facilities within its jurisdiction, with protests from groups like the Kolar Mango Growers Association advocating for greater self-sufficiency. Karnataka’s ability to navigate central schemes and negotiate with Andhra Pradesh reflects a more cohesive strategy, leaving many farmers in Andhra Pradesh feeling overlooked.
Climate, Cartels, and Export Dynamics
Beyond the immediate crisis, Andhra Pradesh’s mango farmers are confronted with broader structural challenges. Unseasonal rains during crucial flowering periods have driven some farmers to consider switching to climate-resistant crops, such as date palms. The lack of irradiation facilities for US exports, along with reliance on Karnataka’s resources, compounds operational costs. Additionally, ongoing allegations of cartel behaviour among pulp factories have fuelled calls for establishing a Mango Board to stabilize prices and regulate trade more effectively.
Case for Integrated Solutions
The mango crisis unfolding in Andhra Pradesh highlights a complex web of market dynamics, interstate trade disputes, and political rivalries. While the TDP-led NDA government has introduced measures like subsidies and procurement initiatives, its critics view the response as reactive and insufficient compared to the decisive actions taken by Karnataka. YS Jagan’s visit has brought renewed attention to the situation but is at risk of devolving into political theatrics. For the state’s approximately 120,000 mango farmers, comprehensive measures—such as the establishment of a Mango Board, GST relief, and enhanced export infrastructure—are vital for ensuring sustainable livelihoods. As the growing season unfolds, Andhra Pradesh must strike a balance between immediate relief efforts and strategic reforms to avert future crises.
