Hans News Service Tirupati

DistrictCollector Dr S Venkateswar has said that Totapuri mango procurement is progressing smoothly in the district and farmers neednot have any concerns regarding purchase process. Along with Srikalahasti RDO Bhanu Prakash Reddy, he visited Varsha Processing Unit in Renigunta mandal on Wednesday and reviewed procurement operations, price implementation and services being provided to farmers. The Collector said the government had extended support to farmers after the difficulties faced last year due to excess production. Although market conditions are better this year, the State government has directed that farmers should receive not less than Rs 6 per kilogram for Totapuri mangoes, he said. The Chief Minister had recently interacted with mango farmers during his visit to Tirupati and assured them of government support.

The next 10 to 15 days would be crucial for Totapuri season. He advised farmers to harvest only fully matured fruits and avoid selling unripe mangoes, as it could result in losses to them. To prevent inconvenience to farmers and transport vehicles at processing units, all units have been instructed to implement a token system. He said Varsha Processing Unit had already issued advance tokens to farmers from Kodur region, significantly reducing vehicle congestion. Vehicles arriving at the unit are being unloaded and cleared within six to 12 hours, enabling faster procurement.

Dr Venkateswar said Varsha Processing Unit alone had procured more than 25,000 tonnes of Totapuri mangoes in the last 10 days. Including purchases by other units, procurement in the district has reached around 80,000 to 90,000 tonnes so far. The district is expected to record nearly 2.5 lakh tonnes of Totapuri production this season, including Kodur region. He warned that strict action would be taken against any processing unit found paying less than Rs 6 per kilogram and asked farmers to immediately report such instances to the notice of the districtadministration.