India’s Agriculture Minister has assured comprehensive support to mango farmers amid growing challenges such as falling prices, export hurdles, and erratic weather. This commitment comes as a relief to lakhs of mango cultivators across states like Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The government aims to provide subsidies, infrastructure improvements, and export facilitation to ensure profitability. This blog explores the details of the minister’s statement, ongoing challenges faced by mango growers, and how this support may impact the mango industry.

India’s Mango Farmers Face Mounting Pressure

India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes, contributing to over 40% of global production. Yet, mango farmers often face:

• Price crashes during peak season

• Post-harvest losses due to lack of cold storage

• Weather-related crop failures

• Export restrictions or quality rejections

States like Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra are particularly dependent on mango cultivation for livelihoods and rural employment. The recent unseasonal rains and temperature shifts have caused significant crop damage in many of these regions.

Government Steps In: Minister’s Assurance

Responding to farmer distress and stakeholder appeals, the Union Agriculture Minister recently announced that the central government is committed to supporting mango farmers with a package of short- and long-term measures. Key points from his assurance include:

✅ Direct Farmer Support

• Introduction of crop insurance schemes tailored for mango orchards under PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana)

• Financial aid for farmers who suffered crop damage due to unseasonal rains or storms

✅ Post-Harvest Infrastructure

• Increased funding for cold storage units, ripening chambers, and value-addition units under MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture)

• Support for farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) to build sorting and packaging facilities

✅ Market Linkages

• Greater promotion of mango exports through APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)

• Encouragement of direct farm-to-market supply chains through e-NAM and agri startups

✅ Research and Training

• Strengthening of horticultural research centers to develop climate-resilient mango varieties

• Training programs for farmers on organic mango farming and pest-resistant techniques