AP Government Announces ₹4 / Kg Subsidy To Support Totapuri Farmers
Farmers have repeatedly pointed out to authorities that pulp factories are offering only ₹5–₹6 per kg for Totapuri mangoes.
Tirupati: State government has announced a subsidy of ₹4 per kg to support Totapuri mango farmers in Chittoor, Tirupati, and Annamayya districts. The subsidy comes following complaints that pulp factories are procuring mangoes at prices far below production costs.
Farmers have repeatedly pointed out to authorities that pulp factories are offering only ₹5–₹6 per kg for Totapuri mangoes. With the subsidy, growers are expected to receive around ₹10 per kg, providing them some relief during the ongoing procurement season.
Puthalapattu MLA K. Murali Mohan has welcomed the announcement, saying the NDA government has come to the aid of mango farmers at a crucial time. He said the support would provide better returns to growers dependent on the crop.
Totapuri mango is cultivated over nearly two lakh acres in Chittoor, Tirupati, and Annamayya districts. It remains one of the region's most important horticulture crops. However, unfavourable weather conditions have affected production this year. Horticulture officials estimate the yield is around five lakh tonnes, compared to six lakh tonnes last year.
Farmers say the cultivation costs range between ₹30,000 and ₹35,000 per acre. They maintain that a minimum price of ₹9 per kg is required to recover investments, while a remunerative price would be between ₹12 and ₹16 per kg.
Procurement is currently underway across the mango-growing belt. Of the 44 mango pulp factories operating in the three districts, most have already started processing operations. In Chittoor district, 28 of the 31 factories have commenced procurement.
Horticulture department is collecting data from factories and procurement centres to facilitate payment of subsidies to the farmers. However, farmers have already sold nearly one lakh tonnes of mangoes before the announcement of the subsidy.
MLA Murali Mohan recalled that the NDA government had extended similar support when mango prices crashed during the 2025 season. At the time, he said, farmers in Bangarupalem mandal alone received nearly ₹90 crore in subsidy, providing substantial relief to growers.
Last year, around 40,000 mango farmers across the three districts received ₹187 crore directly into their bank accounts under the subsidy scheme. Of this, ₹147 crore had been distributed to about 32,000 farmers in Chittoor district alone.
But with the production expected to be lower this year, officials estimate the subsidy outgo will be around ₹160 crore.
