New Delhi, June 24: The Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has assured swift action to support mango farmers in Karnataka facing severe challenges due to adverse weather and a significant drop in mango prices.
On Wednesday, H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, met with Chouhan in New Delhi to discuss the pressing issues faced by mango farmers in Karnataka.
Responding positively to Kumaraswamy’s appeal, Chouhan stated that decisions would be made soon in the interest of mango producers, and relief measures would be announced shortly.
During the meeting, Kumaraswamy requested assistance for farmers under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) and price support through the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS). He highlighted that farmers from several districts, including Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Tumakuru, and Haveri, are distressed due to falling mango prices.
He pointed out that the cost of farming continues to rise, while farmers are not receiving fair prices for their produce. A sensitive and farmer-centric approach is essential to protect the interests of farmers and the horticulture sector.
Chouhan noted that he had previously acknowledged the issues raised by Kumaraswamy regarding mango farmers and the decline in market prices through a letter. He reiterated that the central government would make timely and favorable decisions to provide relief to affected farmers.
Kumaraswamy emphasized that Karnataka is one of the leading mango-producing states in the country, with approximately 145,000 hectares dedicated to mango cultivation and an estimated production of around 1 million metric tons this season. However, adverse weather and low market prices have caused significant losses for farmers.
He explained that in many districts, mango cultivation is a major commercial horticultural activity, but excessive supply and price fluctuations force farmers to sell their produce at throwaway prices.
Kumaraswamy informed the Agriculture Minister that, according to the Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission, the C-3 cost of mango cultivation is estimated at ₹3,951 per quintal, while the current market prices are substantially lower. Despite heavy expenses on irrigation, labor, and harvesting, farmers are incurring losses.
Expressing satisfaction with the Agriculture Minister’s positive stance, Kumaraswamy expressed hope that a decision regarding support prices would be made soon in favor of farmers. He also mentioned that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the central government is committed to safeguarding farmers against price volatility and climate-related challenges.
Leave a Comment