Agriculture – Karnataka Mango Growers to Receive Market Relief Under Central Support Scheme
Agriculture – Karnataka’s mango growers are set to receive financial assistance after the Central government approved a relief package aimed at reducing losses caused by weak market prices and unfavourable weather conditions.
The Central government has approved financial assistance for Totapuri mango growers in Karnataka under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), offering relief to farmers affected by a sharp fall in market prices during the current season. The approved support amounts to Rs 1,750 per quintal and will cover procurement of up to 1.30 lakh metric tonnes of Totapuri mangoes. The decision is expected to provide much-needed financial stability to thousands of farming families across the state.
Centre Announces Relief Package
The announcement was made on Thursday by Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi. He said the assistance has been sanctioned to protect the interests of mango growers who have faced financial pressure due to declining prices and weather-related challenges. The package has been introduced under the provisions of the Market Intervention Scheme for the 2026-27 marketing season.
Request for Support Led to Quick Approval
According to the minister, he had earlier written to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, highlighting the difficulties being experienced by Karnataka’s mango farmers. In his communication, Joshi requested the Centre to consider extending assistance through the Price Deficiency Payment mechanism so that growers could receive compensation for reduced market returns.
Following the request, the Union Agriculture Ministry examined the proposal and approved the relief measures. Chouhan later informed Joshi of the decision through an official letter, confirming the implementation of financial support for eligible mango farmers in Karnataka.
Price Deficiency Payment Under MIS
As part of the approved plan, the Price Deficiency Payment (PDP) component will be implemented under the Market Intervention Scheme specifically for Totapuri mangoes. The financial assistance has been fixed at Rs 1,750 per quintal, with benefits available for produce up to a maximum limit of 1,30,000 metric tonnes during the 2026-27 marketing season.
The Central government has also issued operational guidelines to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme by the Karnataka government. These instructions outline the process for procurement, farmer registration, and distribution of financial assistance.
Conditions for Eligible Farmers
The Price Deficiency Payment scheme will remain operational for one month during the marketing season. Farmers seeking benefits under the programme must sell their Totapuri mangoes through notified Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) markets in Karnataka. This requirement has been introduced to ensure transparent transactions and proper verification of eligible produce.
The state government has also been directed to release a list of authorised traders participating in the scheme. Financial assistance for price losses will be transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of registered farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, helping ensure timely and transparent payments.
Major Benefit for Karnataka’s Mango Belt
Karnataka is among India’s leading producers of Totapuri mangoes, with cultivation spread across districts including Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagara, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bagalkote, Ballari, Tumakuru, Mandya and Channarayapatna. The newly approved assistance package is expected to benefit a large number of growers in these regions and provide support during a challenging marketing season.