CM Naidu reviews support prices for mango and tobacco; grading system to improve export quality

Amaravati: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has emphasised the importance of standing by farmers, particularly those cultivating key crops like tobacco and mango, amid the unique challenges they face.

He urged officials to adopt a commercial mindset in handling agricultural produce and to ensure that farmers receive the highest possible prices for their crops.

Tobacco yield reaches 80 million kg

During a review meeting at the Secretariat focused on support prices for mango, tobacco and cocoa, officials informed the chief minister that this year’s production of HD Burley tobacco has reached 80 million kilograms, of which 27 million kilograms have already been sold.

CM Naidu instructed officials to accelerate the procurement of the remaining 53 million kg. Of this, arrangements are in place for 24 companies to buy 33 million kg, while AP Markfed will procure the remaining 20 million kilograms.

Procurement centres have been set up in several districts—three in Bapatla, two in Guntur and one each in Palnadu and Prakasam. The chief minister was told that operations at these centres will be intensified starting tomorrow. He directed that detailed information about the procurement process, including centre locations, be promptly shared with all tobacco farmers.

Grading system to improve quality

CM Naidu also called for the implementation of a strong grading system to improve the quality of exports.

He noted that discussions with the Central government are already underway to reduce import duties on palm oil and to lower the GST on mango pulp from 12 per cent to 5 per cent. He instructed officials to follow up with the relevant Central departments to move these proposals forward.

Additional price of Rs 4 per kilogram for mangoes

The chief minister stressed the need for farmers, especially those cultivating mangoes, to have timely access to crop planning and market demand data.

He pointed out that the government is currently offering an additional support price of Rs 4 per kilogram for mangoes and directed that processing units must pay no less than Rs 8 per kilogram. He assured that the government would continue to support farmers and protect them from financial losses.

12,000 metric tonnes of cocoa output

On the cocoa front, officials reported that out of the 12,000 metric tonnes produced this year, 10,000 metric tonnes have already been sold. The state is currently procuring between 80 to 100 metric tonnes daily. CM Naidu instructed that the remaining stock be fully procured by the first week of July.

He also called for the development of an action plan to establish more fruit processing units across Andhra Pradesh. Reiterating the importance of aligning exports with international standards, he emphasised the need to implement world-class grading systems to enhance the state’s agricultural export potential.