Thu Feb 27 19:34:11 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh Mango Farmers Seek Government Intervention Amidst Low Prices and Elephant Raids

**Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh –** Mango farmers in Chittoor district, a major mango-producing region in India, are facing a crisis due to drastically low prices and increasing human-wildlife conflict. Following a dismal harvest in 2023, farmers received a record-low price of ₹6 per kg for their mangoes, eventually rising to ₹9 per kg after government intervention. This is significantly lower than expected, leaving many farmers financially vulnerable.

The situation is exacerbated by the lack of a Mango Board, similar to the Tobacco Board, which farmers believe would stabilize prices and protect them from exploitation. A board, they argue, is crucial to address issues like a lack of minimum support price (MSP), poor marketing facilities, and the absence of crop insurance.

The 1.7 lakh hectares of mango orchards in the region, capable of producing 12 lakh tonnes annually, have seen yields drop to only 20% in 2024, from an average of 30% over the past 15 years. This represents a significant loss of potential revenue, estimated at over ₹3,000 crore annually.

Adding to the farmers’ woes is the increasing threat from wild elephants raiding orchards near the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary. Farmers report significant crop losses and even fatalities due to elephant attacks. While the Forest Department has implemented measures like solar fences and trenches, their effectiveness is questioned by farmers who cite poor maintenance and elephants’ ability to circumvent these barriers.

Exporting mangoes also presents challenges. International markets have varying regulations, including requirements for hot water washing (Singapore, Malaysia) or irradiation (Japan), which adds to the farmers’ costs and logistical burdens. The US market, while having high demand, currently relies on imports from Mexico and Peru due to India’s supply shortages.

Local horticulture officials and farmers’ associations are advocating for a Mango Board to address these multifaceted issues. The proposed board would act as a single-window system, overseeing all aspects of the mango trade, from cultivation to export, and potentially introducing MSP, insurance coverage, and improved pest management. They believe this could revitalize the mango industry in Chittoor and unlock its vast economic potential. The proposal for a Mango Board has been submitted to the Ministry of Commerce.

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