Stalin reiterates request to Modi to help mango farmers in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting necessary support to Tamil Nadu’s mango farmers, since they contribute to the national economy through enhanced exports and value addition.

He also recalled his earlier request, made in June this year, seeking the intervention of the Centre to alleviate the problems faced by mango farmers and processors during the 2025 season. “The farmers cultivating processable varieties of mangoes were severely affected due to a steep price fall, coupled with low offtake of mango pulp. The Government of Tamil Nadu is keen to avert such a situation of crisis for the mango farmers,” he said.

Recalling that the content of fruit pulp in mango juice was being decided by the packaged juice manufacturing companies without following the norms of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Mr. Stalin recalled his request to the Government of India to issue directions to ensure that packaged juice manufacturers strictly followed FSSAI standards when mixing fruit pulp in beverages.

“Positive response on the same is yet to be received. Hence, considering the welfare of mango farmers and in the interest of the large number of consumers of this beverage in our country, I request that mango-based beverage manufacturing industries be instructed to ensure at least 18%-20% pulp content in their products to increase pulp offtake. This can also increase the quality of the products,” Mr. Stalin said. Tamil Nadu’s mango export policy focuses on enhancing exports of table varieties and diversifying the mango product basket, he pointed out.

The Chief Minister requested that the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, be directed to extend necessary support to Tamil Nadu by way of development of infrastructure such as integrated pack houses, inland container depots, cold ports, quality testing laboratories, organising buyer–seller meets, identifying prospective overseas buyers, and conducting capacity-building programmes on export standards.

Timely intervention will help not only mango farmers but also significantly contribute to the national economy through enhanced exports and value addition, Mr. Stalin added.