Tamil Nadu CM Writes to PM Modi Seeking Permanent Solution for Mango Farmers Amid Falling Prices

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate and effective intervention to ensure a permanent solution for the welfare of mango farmers in the state. This request comes in light of the increased mango yield this year and the resulting significant drop in prices, which has severely impacted the livelihoods of farmers.

In his letter, CM Stalin stated that the Tamil Nadu Government has consistently worked in the interest of mango farmers, introducing several welfare schemes for their benefit. He noted that this year, approximately 1.46 lakh hectares have been cultivated with mangoes, producing 9.49 lakh metric tonnes, making Tamil Nadu one of the leading mango-producing states in the country.

However, the surge in mango production, coupled with reduced procurement by mango pulp processing units and a decline in market demand, has caused the price of mangoes to fall below ₹5 per kg. Farmers, unable to fetch even their basic production costs, are being forced to either sell at extremely low prices or let the fruits rot on the trees.

CM Stalin emphasized that since most mango pulp processing units are privately run and some neighboring states have procured mangoes at higher volumes, procurement from Tamil Nadu has declined. As a result, mango farmers in Tamil Nadu are struggling to sell their produce at fair prices.

Urgent Central Intervention Requested

Highlighting the distress of mango farmers despite market fluctuations, the CM requested central government intervention under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). He called for the procurement price under MIS to be fixed higher than the prevailing market price, ensuring fair compensation for farmers. He also requested that Central Procurement Agencies be instructed to initiate procurement at fair prices, particularly for mangoes grown under contract farming.

Additionally, CM Stalin made two important recommendations:

1. Ensure FSSAI Compliance in Mango-Based Beverages
   The Chief Minister pointed out that some mango beverage manufacturers are using low mango pulp content, often without adhering to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. He urged the Central Government to enforce FSSAI norms and ensure that the actual fruit content in such beverages meets required standards, thereby increasing demand for genuine mango pulp.
2. Reduce GST on Mango Pulp from 12% to 5%
   CM Stalin also requested a reduction in the GST on mango pulp and puree from 12% to 5%, stating that the current high tax rate discourages manufacturers from procuring and processing mango pulp in large volumes. He added that this change would not only help address the present crisis but also provide long-term support for mango farmers.

Call for National-Level Relief Measures

The Chief Minister concluded by emphasizing that the current crisis is not limited to Tamil Nadu but also affects mango-producing states across the country. He urged the Prime Minister to issue appropriate instructions to resolve the challenges faced by mango farmers, ensuring their long-term welfare and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Issued by:
Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9