Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru/ New Delhi

Bengaluru/ New Delhi, Jun 22: In a welcome move for mango cultivators facing steep losses, the Central Government has approved the procurement of 2.5 lac tonnes of mangoes under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to stabilise falling prices and protect farmer interests in Karnataka.

The decision follows a formal appeal made by Karnataka agriculture minister N Chaluvarayaswamy to union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan via video conferencing, highlighting the plight of mango farmers amid an oversupply and tumbling prices.

Responding promptly, the Union Minister gave the green signal for implementing the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) for mangoes during the 2025-26 marketing season, and an official order in this regard is likely to be issued on Monday.

Both state and central governments have agreed to compensate farmers with a price difference of approximately Rs 4 per kilogram, a move aimed at stimulating demand and ensuring fair returns.

Mangoes, cultivated across 1.39 lac hectares in Karnataka, yielded an estimated 8–10 lac tonnes this season. The fruit is a lifeline for growers in districts like Bangalore Rural, Bangalore Urban, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, and Ramanagara, which form the state’s core mango belt.

Harvesting typically takes place from May to July, and prices tend to fluctuate sharply during this time. However, this season saw an unexpected market dip, especially in May, with prices in key markets such as Kolar, Chikkaballapur, and Ramanagara hovering between Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,500 per quintal.

In a particularly worrying sign, Totapuri mangoes in Srinivasapur market slumped to a mere Rs 450–550 per quintal, causing major distress among small and marginal farmers.

The latest intervention by the Centre is expected to provide much-needed relief and inject momentum into a sluggish mango market, safeguarding both farmer livelihoods and consumer affordability.