Mango Prices – Centre Approves Relief Framework for Andhra Totapuri Growers
Mango Prices – Andhra Pradesh mango farmers are set to receive price support after the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare approved the Price Deficiency Payment framework under the Market Intervention Scheme for Totapuri mango growers.
The decision comes amid continued political debate between the NDA-led state government and the YSR Congress Party over the sharp decline in mango prices across the Rayalaseema fruit-growing region.
Market intervention price fixed for 2026-27 season
According to the approval letter issued on July 1, 2026, the Market Intervention Price has been set at Rs 1,747 per quintal, or Rs 17.47 per kg, for the 2026-27 marketing season. The scheme will cover up to 2,16,250 metric tonnes of Totapuri mangoes.
The approved quantity represents 25 percent of Andhra Pradesh’s estimated Totapuri mango production. Financial assistance under the programme will be shared equally by the Union and state governments, with both contributing 50 percent of the total subsidy requirement.
Payment support limited to prescribed price gap
The central government has placed a ceiling on the amount that can be paid to growers when market prices fall below the intervention price. The price deficiency payment cannot exceed 25 percent of the approved Market Intervention Price.
Based on the current rate, the maximum payment available under the scheme will be Rs 436.75 per quintal. The support is intended to reduce losses faced by farmers when wholesale prices decline significantly during the peak arrival period.
Scheme to remain operational for one month
The approval provides a limited implementation period. The scheme can be operated for one month from the date of the first transaction after the clearance is issued.
The Andhra Pradesh government will need to arrange working capital in advance to make direct payments to eligible farmers. This is expected to ensure that growers receive the difference amount without waiting for reimbursement from the Centre.
State committee to decide local price procedures
Following the central approval, a state-level high committee led by the Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Horticulture will determine the local operational process. The committee will decide the selling price benchmarks and other procedures needed for implementation in notified market yards.
Only registered farmers selling Totapuri mangoes through designated Agricultural Produce Market Committee mandis will be eligible for the payment support. The condition has been included to ensure that transactions are properly recorded and can be verified by authorities.
Direct benefit transfer to be used for payments
The financial assistance will be transferred directly to farmers through Aadhaar-enabled Direct Benefit Transfer or verified bank accounts. Officials said the system is designed to improve transparency and prevent the involvement of intermediaries in the payment process.
The state government will also be required to submit daily information on mango arrivals and modal market prices through the central portal. These records will be used to assess the difference between the intervention price and actual market rates.
Central reimbursement linked to account verification
The Union government will release its share of the subsidy only after the state submits complete records and the accounts are examined by the central Costing Cell. The audit process will review market data, farmer transactions and payment details before reimbursement is approved.
The sanction is expected to provide temporary support to Totapuri mango growers in Rayalaseema, where farmers have raised concerns over lower returns during the current marketing season.