Ensure MSP for ‘Totapuri’ mangoes: Chittoor Collector

Collector Sumit Kumar interacting with the management of a mango pulp industry unit, at Thavanamaplle in Chittoor district, on Wednesday.

District Collector Sumit Kumar on Wednesday instructed the food processing industries to ensure the Minimum Support Price (MSP) declared by the State government for the ‘Totapuri’ mangoes.

Holding a surprise inspection at the GCR Food and Beverages Private Limited near Thavanamaplle mandal headquarters, the Collector reviewed the procurement modules. He insisted that the pulp units must procure only locally grown mangoes, considering their processing capacities. He called for procurement in a phased manner, based on fruit ripeness and demand. “This would prevent distress sales and ensure the farmers with fair compensation,” he said.

Mr. Sumit Kumar highlighted the need for transparency in the procurement process. He informed the management to prominently display boards indicating the MSP on their premises and issue procurement tokens to farmers in advance.

The Collector further instructed the Rythu Seva Kendrams (RSK) officials to promote awareness among farmers about token-based procurement. He informed the officials that detailed records of farmers and procurement should be maintained at each pulp unit, as this would facilitate government support and subsidies.

“By implementing the MSP and making purchases from only the local farmers, the pulp industries can do a great deal to the mango growers in the district, and this in the longer run would help create sustainable farming,” the Collector said.

Senior officials from the departments of Revenue, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Marketing were also present.