New Delhi/Bengaluru: In a move that brings much-needed relief to mango farmers in Karnataka, UNION AGRICULTURE MINISTER SHRI SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN, in coordination with the Government of Karnataka, has approved a price compensation scheme to support farmers affected by the falling market rates of mangoes, especially the Totapuri variety. The decision was finalized during a high-level virtual meeting chaired by Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Karnataka Agriculture Minister, Shri N. Chaluvaraya Swamy.
The meeting was also attended by Union Agriculture Secretary, Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, along with senior officials from both central and state governments.
🍋 Joint Price Compensation Scheme Finalized
In a significant policy intervention, it was agreed that the Central and State Governments will share the burden equally of compensating the price differential for up to 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes. This move is aimed at ensuring that farmers receive a fair and remunerative price, despite the market slump.
The price differential—defined as the gap between the average market price and the standard benchmark price—will be calculated based on verified mandi rates. Payments will be made directly to registered mango farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under an existing central government scheme for perishable crops.
📉 Why Relief Was Needed: Market Price Crash
The Karnataka government had earlier submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Agriculture, citing an alarming fall in prices of key horticulture crops, particularly Totapuri mangoes. Farmers reported prices plummeting to one-third of usual levels, making it difficult to cover even basic input costs like fertilizers, irrigation, and transport.
Out of Karnataka’s estimated mango output of 10 lakh metric tonnes this season, the Totapuri variety alone accounts for a significant share and is a major crop in regions such as Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Ramanagara, and Mandya.
🗣️ Virtual Dialogue: A Collaborative Decision-Making Approach
During the virtual discussion, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan acknowledged the distress faced by mango growers and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to protect the livelihoods of horticulture farmers.
“The government stands firmly with our farmers. We will ensure that no farmer suffers due to sudden market volatility. This joint initiative with the Government of Karnataka is a step in that direction,” Shri Chouhan said.
Karnataka’s Agriculture Minister, Shri N. Chaluvaraya Swamy, expressed gratitude and welcomed the decision, highlighting that this relief measure would positively impact thousands of mango farmers.
“This timely support will prevent losses to small and marginal farmers. I thank the Honourable Union Minister for his quick response and concern for Karnataka’s horticulture sector,” he stated.
🍅 Tomatoes Off the Radar – Prices Stabilized
While the original state proposal also included tomatoes, the Karnataka government clarified during the meeting that tomato prices have now stabilized in most key districts. Therefore, no immediate central support is required for tomatoes, although both governments will continue to monitor the situation.
💰 Implementation: Compensation Through Existing Scheme
The financial assistance will be disbursed under a central scheme designed to stabilize incomes of farmers growing perishable horticulture crops. The plan includes:
- Registration of farmers through e-KYC validated portals
- Price benchmarking by the Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs)
- Monitoring by a joint committee of Central and State government officers
- Real-time data sharing through a unified agriculture market dashboard
Farmers will begin receiving compensation once procurement and price data validation is completed.
✅ Conclusion
The decision to share the price differential burden for 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes marks a decisive step towards protecting farmers from market-induced distress. The collaborative approach between the Centre and the Karnataka Government sets a constructive example of responsive and farmer-centric governance.
As India continues to modernize its agri-economy, such support measures not only bring short-term relief but also contribute to long-term resilience and trust among the farming community.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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