Collector inspects mango processing units in Chittoor

District Collector Sumit Kumar on Friday said that the State government announced a subsidy of ₹4 per kg for Totapuri mangoes to stand by the farmers in the wake of tough market conditions and is committed to ensuring no farmer suffers losses this mango season.

The Collector made a whirlwind visit to several mango pulp processing units administered by various MNCs at Annur (Karveti Nagar), Sriram Food Company in Chittoor, Galla Sri Sannidhi in Puthalapattu, and Jain Irrigation Systems in Gangadhara Nellore mandals.

Reviewing the procurement process, the Collector interacted with the company representatives and farmers and was apprised of the pricing and procurement issues.

He said that the season this year witnessed increased yields due to favourable weather and improved cultivation practices. Unfortunately, the global market demand came down drastically, given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, adversely impacting pulp exports.

The Collector said that the buyers from neighbouring States, particularly from the Krishnagiri market in Tamil Nadu, had already procured a large quantum of pulp for brands like Parle, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi, which led to the leftover inventory since two mango seasons.

The government introduced a token system for mango supply, mandating ₹4 per kg as a direct subsidy, in addition to the amount paid by the pulp units. The Collector said that officials will continuously monitor pricing at all procurement ramps. The revenue officials at the field level along with the police personnel would be stationed at ramp points to prevent malpractices and jostling.

The farmers were urged to contact control room numbers 9491077325 and 08572-242777 for prompt redressal of their grievances.