Krishnagiri, August 5: The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to develop Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts as part of the state’s integrated mango industrial corridor. This initiative includes the proposal for five integrated mango processing parks, as outlined in the ‘Vetri Tamizhgam Vision’ document.
The initiative aims to strengthen the agricultural and food processing economy of western Tamil Nadu. It envisions an integrated ecosystem for mango cultivation, processing, value addition, storage, and export in the two key mango-producing districts.
According to the vision document, each of the five processing parks will feature cold storage facilities and units for mango pulp production. Infrastructure will also be developed to facilitate direct exports, enabling producers and processors to access both domestic and international markets more effectively. A mango value addition center is also proposed.
To enhance export capabilities, transportation facilities will be improved to allow mangoes produced in Krishnagiri to reach Chennai and Bengaluru airports directly.
Together, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri cover approximately 51,000 hectares dedicated to mango cultivation. Krishnagiri alone hosts 24 mango pulp processing industries, making it a significant hub for mango production and processing in Tamil Nadu.
KM Soundarajan, president of the Mango Farmers’ Association, welcomed the proposals, stating that their effective implementation could greatly benefit farmers. He noted that producers had previously requested a mango pulp processing unit in each block, but the proposal for five integrated parks across both districts is still encouraging.
Soundarajan highlighted that mango farmers in Krishnagiri have faced severe yield declines due to adverse climatic conditions over the past five years. He also urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s government to address alleged corruption in the agricultural sector.
E. Madhavan, secretary of the Krishnagiri Mango Pulp Processors Federation, expressed a more cautious response, stating that the industry is only partially satisfied with the proposals. He urged the government to take steps to increase domestic consumption of mango pulp, benefiting both producers and processors.
Madhavan pointed out that pulp manufacturers have struggled to clear their stocks over the past two years. This year’s production is estimated to be around 150,000 to 200,000 tons, compared to approximately 300,000 tons last year. He suggested including mango juice in midday meal programs to maintain steady demand for locally produced mango pulp.
Officials from the horticulture department mentioned that they had submitted suggestions to the government for the vision document, but detailed information regarding the proposed mango processing parks has yet to be received.
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