MangoMarket – Totapuri Farmers Face Mounting Losses as Prices Crash

MangoMarket –  Farmers cultivating Totapuri mangoes in the former Chittoor district are facing severe financial pressure after market prices for the fruit plunged to nearly Rs 4 per kilogram. The sharp decline has triggered concern among growers, many of whom are struggling to recover production and transportation expenses amid slow procurement by processing units.

Procurement Delays Add to Farmers’ Problems

The situation has become increasingly difficult as hundreds of tractor-loads carrying harvested mangoes remain stranded outside juice processing factories. At a major processing facility in GD Nellore, long lines of vehicles have been reported, with several farmers waiting for up to three days before their produce can be accepted. The delays have created uncertainty and increased costs for growers already dealing with weak market conditions.

Oversupply and Export Challenges Impact Prices

Industry representatives attribute the steep fall in prices to a combination of excess supply and reduced export opportunities. Totapuri mango cultivation covers more than two lakh acres across the district, resulting in a large volume of fruit entering the market simultaneously. At the same time, disruptions in international trade have limited demand from overseas buyers, creating additional pressure on domestic procurement systems.

Factories Gradually Begin Purchasing Operations

While procurement activity has been slow, some processing units have started operations. A few factories have already begun purchasing mangoes from farmers, and additional units in Bangarupalem and Chittoor are expected to commence procurement shortly. Growers hope that increased buying activity will ease congestion and provide some support to market prices in the coming weeks.

Farmers Criticise New Token-Based Entry System

Many cultivators have also expressed dissatisfaction with a recently introduced identification and token system at certain processing facilities. Under the new arrangement, farmers must obtain a token before unloading their produce. According to growers, the process has increased waiting times and added another layer of difficulty during an already challenging marketing season.

Demand for Government Intervention Grows

Farmer groups from several mandals have alleged that traders are coordinating their purchases in a manner that keeps prices artificially low. They have urged authorities to step in and announce a minimum support price of Rs 12 per kilogram to protect growers from further losses.

Local farmer Ramanjaneyulu said that an early support price announcement, similar to measures introduced in previous seasons, could provide relief to thousands of affected families and help stabilize the market.

Rising Costs Leave Growers Under Pressure

The financial burden on mango farmers has intensified due to increasing cultivation and harvesting expenses. Growers say the cost of plucking, loading, and transporting a single tractor-load of mangoes has risen significantly. With market rates remaining far below production costs, many fear substantial losses this season.

Farmer Naveen from Yerravaripalem noted that expenses for labour and transportation continue to rise each year, while returns from the market remain uncertain. He said current prices are insufficient to cover even basic operational costs.

Consumers Benefit While Farmers Struggle

Although consumers are enjoying plentiful supplies of affordable mangoes at roadside stalls and local markets, the situation paints a different picture for producers. The ongoing price collapse highlights the vulnerability of fruit growers to market fluctuations, supply imbalances, and external trade disruptions.

For many Totapuri farmers, the current season has become another reminder of how quickly changing market conditions can affect agricultural livelihoods, underscoring the need for more stable pricing mechanisms and efficient procurement systems.