04 July 2026, New Delhi: The Government of India has constituted a high-level expert committee under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to assess the challenges facing Totapuri mango growers in Andhra Pradesh and recommend long-term measures to strengthen the sector. The initiative was announced by Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan following concerns over a sharp decline in Totapuri mango prices that has significantly affected farmers’ incomes.
The decision follows the Minister’s recent visit to Andhra Pradesh, where Totapuri mango growers highlighted the prolonged fall in prices of the variety, which is widely cultivated for the processing industry. Farmers said the sustained price decline has created financial stress and impacted the profitability of mango cultivation.
ICAR to Assess the Entire Mango Value Chain
In response, ICAR has been directed to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the Totapuri mango value chain, covering cultivation, processing, marketing, domestic trade and exports. The committee will identify the factors contributing to the current market situation and recommend strategies to improve farmer returns while ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.
The committee will be chaired by T. Damodaran, Director of the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, and includes experts from the ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, and the Andhra Pradesh Department of Horticulture.
Field Survey to Begin Within 10 Days
The committee has been instructed to visit major Totapuri mango-growing districts in Andhra Pradesh within the next ten days. During the field assessment, members will interact with farmers, processing companies, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), state horticulture officials and other stakeholders to obtain first-hand insights into the challenges affecting the sector.
The assessment will examine production costs, farm incomes, processing capacity, demand-supply trends, market access and the factors behind the recent decline in domestic and export prices. It will also identify bottlenecks across the value chain and explore opportunities to improve competitiveness, efficiency and market linkages.
Recommendations to Focus on Long-Term Sector Growth
Following the field study, the committee will submit a comprehensive report to the Union Agriculture Minister. The report is expected to recommend measures for price stabilisation, expansion of value-added processing, strengthening export capacity, improving coordination among FPOs, processors and exporters, and identifying policy interventions to support the sustainable development of the Totapuri mango industry.
According to the Ministry, the committee’s findings will form the basis for coordinated action by the Central and Andhra Pradesh governments aimed at improving farmer incomes and enhancing the resilience of the state’s mango value chain.
Chouhan said protecting the livelihoods of Totapuri mango growers remains a priority for the Government, adding that the committee’s recommendations would guide future initiatives to strengthen the sector, encourage investment, promote exports and generate additional employment opportunities.
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