Thu Jun 19 12:50:05 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Karnataka government is responding to a severe drop in mango prices, which has drastically impacted mango growers. Prices have fallen from ₹12,000 per quintal to ₹3,000 per quintal. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed the Agriculture Minister to negotiate with the Union Agriculture Minister for compensation and assistance. The Chief Minister is also urging the central government to implement a Price Deficiency Payment and Market Intervention Scheme, and to initiate procurement through central agencies to support mango farmers in Karnataka. Mango cultivation is significant in Karnataka, covering 1.39 lakh hectares and producing 8-10 lakh tonnes during the Rabi season.
**News Article:**
**Karnataka Seeks Central Assistance as Mango Prices Plummet, Threatening Growers**
**BENGALURU, June 19, 2025** – The Karnataka government is urgently seeking assistance from the central government to address a financial crisis faced by mango growers in the state due to a dramatic drop in market prices. Mango prices have plummeted from ₹12,000 per quintal to ₹3,000 per quintal, causing significant distress among farmers.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy to engage in discussions with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, requesting compensation and intervention measures. According to Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, the Chief Minister has authorized the Agriculture Minister to travel to Delhi, if necessary, to pursue these negotiations.
Mr. Siddaramaiah has already appealed to the Centre to take immediate action, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He has formally requested the central government to implement a Price Deficiency Payment and Market Intervention Scheme and to commence immediate procurement through central agencies such as NAFED and NCCF. This intervention, he argues, is crucial to supporting farmers and preventing further economic hardship in rural areas.
In a letter to Mr. Chouhan, delivered ahead of his visit to Delhi on Friday, the Chief Minister underlined the importance of protecting mango growers, whose livelihoods depend on this critical horticultural crop. Karnataka cultivates mangoes across 1.39 lakh hectares, producing an estimated 8-10 lakh tonnes during the Rabi season. The state government hopes the Centre will respond swiftly to alleviate the current crisis and safeguard the economic well-being of its mango farmers.