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The article reports on Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu's appeal to the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for financial assistance to Totapuri mango farmers in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The minister highlighted the significant losses faced by these farmers due to a steep decline in mango prices, which have plummeted below Rs 8 per kg. Atchannaidu is advocating for government intervention through the Market Intervention Scheme to ensure a minimum support price of Rs 12 per kg under the Price Deficiency Payment (PDP) system. He proposed a comprehensive plan where pulp units and traders would contribute Rs 8 per kg, while the state government is prepared to allocate Rs 4, amounting to Rs 260 crore, to support the farmers. The minister urged the central government to provide matching funds to cover the remaining cost, estimating a total expenditure of Rs 780 crore, with Rs 520 crore contributed by units and traders. The financial assistance is deemed critical to protect farmers from the adverse effects of excess production and high inventory levels in pulp units. The urgency of the situation stems from the potential devastation of the mango farming community in Chittoor if prices remain suppressed. Without intervention, many farmers could face financial ruin, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity in the region. The economic impact extends beyond the farmers themselves, affecting related industries such as processing, transportation, and retail. The minister's appeal underscores the importance of government support in stabilizing agricultural markets and ensuring fair prices for farmers, safeguarding their livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The situation faced by Chittoor mango farmers reflects a broader challenge in the agricultural sector, where fluctuating market prices can create significant instability for farmers, particularly those growing perishable crops like fruits and vegetables. Effective intervention mechanisms, such as price support programs and market stabilization measures, are essential to mitigate these risks and promote a stable and prosperous agricultural economy.
Beyond the immediate crisis, the Agriculture Minister also advocated for long-term solutions to enhance the agricultural sector in Andhra Pradesh. He proposed a special package similar to the one offered to Uttar Pradesh’s Bundelkhand region to support farmers in Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and North Coastal Andhra. This package would likely involve financial assistance, infrastructure development, and other support measures to address the specific challenges faced by farmers in these regions, such as water scarcity, soil degradation, and lack of access to modern farming technologies. Furthermore, Atchannaidu called for the establishment of a chilli board in Guntur, a cashew board in Srikakulam, and a mango board in Chittoor. These boards would serve as specialized agencies to promote the production, processing, and marketing of these crops. They would provide support to farmers in areas such as research and development, technology transfer, quality control, and market access. The establishment of these boards is aimed at boosting farmers’ income by improving productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing market opportunities. The minister also reiterated the need for a Central Agricultural University in Srikakulam, as mandated by the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. Such a university would play a crucial role in advancing agricultural education, research, and extension services in the region. It would train a new generation of agricultural professionals, conduct cutting-edge research to address local challenges, and disseminate knowledge and technologies to farmers through effective extension programs. The establishment of the university is seen as a key step towards modernizing the agricultural sector in Andhra Pradesh and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
In addition to addressing the challenges faced by mango farmers, the Agriculture Minister also sought enhanced support for fisheries development in Srikakulam district. He urged Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh to provide increased resources and assistance to promote the growth of the fisheries sector in the region. Srikakulam, with its extensive coastline and abundant aquatic resources, has significant potential for fisheries development. Enhanced support could involve investments in infrastructure such as fishing harbors, cold storage facilities, and processing plants. It could also include programs to promote sustainable fishing practices, improve fish quality, and enhance market access for fishermen. The development of the fisheries sector would create new employment opportunities, boost the local economy, and contribute to food security. The minister's focus on fisheries development underscores the importance of a diversified agricultural sector that encompasses various sub-sectors, including crops, livestock, and fisheries. A balanced approach to agricultural development ensures resilience to market fluctuations and climate change and contributes to the overall well-being of rural communities. The Agriculture Minister's visit to New Delhi highlights the critical role of government in supporting the agricultural sector and promoting the welfare of farmers. By advocating for financial assistance, long-term development initiatives, and enhanced support for various sub-sectors, the minister is working to create a more stable, sustainable, and prosperous agricultural economy in Andhra Pradesh. The success of these efforts will depend on the collaboration between the state and central governments, as well as the active participation of farmers and other stakeholders.
Source: Bail out Chittoor mango ryots from crisis: Agriculture Minister Atchannaidu to Centre