Tirupati Intensifies Mango Procurement Oversight as Harvest Season Peaks
To protect farmers during the peak Totapuri mango harvest, the Tirupati district administration has increased monitoring of procurement centers. Officials have mandated a minimum price of ₹6 per kg and introduced token systems to reduce congestion, ensuring a smoother sales process for the 2.5 lakh tonnes expected.
Highlights
- •Tirupati district administration is closely monitoring mango procurement as Totapuri arrivals reach peak levels.
- •The government has enforced a minimum purchase price of ₹6 per kilogram for all processing units.
- •Advanced token systems have been implemented at procurement centers to significantly reduce vehicle queue times.
- •Total district procurement has reached nearly 90,000 tonnes, with overall seasonal production expected to hit 2.5 lakh tonnes.
As the harvest season reaches its peak, the Tirupati district administration has intensified its oversight of mango procurement operations. With Totapuri mango arrivals expected to climb significantly over the coming fortnight, local authorities are taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition and protect the financial interests of regional growers.
District Collector Dr. S. Venkateswar, accompanied by Srikalahasti Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Bhanu Prakash Reddy, conducted an on-site review of the mango procurement processes at the Varsha Processing Unit located in Renigunta. During this inspection, the officials meticulously assessed procurement procedures, the adherence to minimum price guidelines, and the adequacy of logistical facilities extended to the farmers.
Ensuring Fair Pricing and Efficient Procurement
The administration emphasized that the state government is maintaining a constant watch on the market to guarantee that farmers receive equitable compensation for their harvest. A strict directive has been issued to all processing units, mandating that Totapuri mangoes must not be acquired for less than ₹6 per kilogram. Officials have issued clear warnings that any facility found in violation of these pricing directives will face rigorous punitive action.
Addressing the challenges encountered during the previous season due to surplus production, Dr. Venkateswar highlighted that comprehensive strategies have been implemented to avoid recurring difficulties. He noted that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has personally engaged with local farmers during his recent visit to Tirupati, offering assurances of sustained government support throughout the season.
To further streamline operations, the district administration has mandated the use of a token system at various procurement centers to mitigate severe traffic congestion. The Varsha Processing Unit has already adopted an advanced token distribution mechanism specifically for farmers arriving from the Koduru region. This initiative has been successful in significantly reducing vehicle wait times, with transport now being cleared within a six- to 12-hour window.
According to official data, the Varsha unit alone has successfully procured over 25,000 tonnes of fruit in just the last 10 days. The broader district-wide procurement figure currently stands between 80,000 and 90,000 tonnes. With production for this season projected to reach approximately 2.5 lakh tonnes, the next 10 to 15 days are considered critical. Authorities have urged farmers to prioritize harvesting only fully matured fruits and to avoid the collection of unripe produce, which could lead to substantial losses.
