Bengaluru, June 23: In Karnataka’s Kolar district, mango producers organized a shutdown on Monday to demand the government announce a profitable support price for mangoes as market prices plummet.
Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy assured that the central government would prioritize this issue.
Farmers, led by the Mango Producers Association and various other organizations, protested throughout the district, claiming that the current market price of mangoes is causing them significant losses.
According to the protesting farmers, mangoes are currently fetching only ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per ton, which is far below their production costs. They are urging the government to set a minimum support price between ₹8,000 and ₹10,000 per ton to protect their interests.
Protests began early in several areas, including Kolar and Srinivaspur taluks. Demonstrators blocked roads and threw mangoes onto the streets to express their anger over the low prices.
The shutdown disrupted normal life in parts of the district, with some RTC bus services suspended. Srinivaspur experienced near-total shutdown conditions, as shops and businesses closed in solidarity with the movement.
Farmers reported similar losses in the previous season and accused the government of failing to intervene in the market, leading to this year’s crisis.
Protesters are demanding immediate action from both state and central governments to assist mango producers and ensure fair prices for their produce.
In response, Minister Kumaraswamy stated that he has already raised this issue with the central government. He mentioned, “I have written to the Central Agriculture Minister regarding the problems faced by mango producers in Kolar. The minister has been in Bhopal for the past five days. As per the information I received, the central government has not yet received any official communication from the Karnataka government on this matter. Central Minister Prahlad Joshi has also written a letter.”
He urged the mango producers from Kolar and Ramanagara not to worry, recalling the central government’s previous interventions. “I want to assure the mango farmers from Kolar and Ramanagara that they need not be concerned. Last time, the central government provided substantial compensation, and similar assistance will be extended this year,” he added.
Mallesh Babu, a JD(S) MP from Kolar who visited the protest site, stated that efforts are underway to secure a support price for mango producers.
He said, “We have already demanded the government announce a support price for mangoes. Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and I have raised this issue with the central government. The delay in the process is due to the central agriculture minister being in Bhopal. We hope an announcement regarding the support price will be made upon his return to New Delhi.”
Mallesh Babu noted that farmers are seeking a support price of ₹10 per kilogram and mentioned that similar measures have been taken in the past.
He further stated, “Last year, after Kumaraswamy’s intervention, a support price was announced. He has raised this issue with the relevant minister again. Andhra Pradesh has already announced assistance measures for mango producers, and we hope both the central and Karnataka governments will provide similar support to the farmers in our state.”
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