Hans News Service Vijayawada

Thestate government has given approval to the AP State Cooperative Marketing Federation (AP Markfed) to process Rs 281 crore through working capital or short-term loans towards the support price for Totapuri (Collector) variety mangoes during the 2026-27 marketing season.

To this effect, agriculture and cooperation department ex-officio special chief secretary B Rajasekhar issued G O Ms No 47 on Wednesday. The order was issued with the concurrence of the finance department. According to the government order, the funds will be utilised for implementing the Price Deficiency Payment (PDP) under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) in Chittoor, Annamayya, Tirupati and Kadapa districts.

The assistance will cover 7.03 lakh metric tonnes of Totapuri mangoes at Rs.4 per kg, involving an estimated expenditure of Rs.281 crore. The initiative is aimed at providing support to mango growers in the four districts through the price deficiency payment mechanism.

The director of horticulture and sericulture had earlier requested the sanction and release of funds for implementing the scheme. After examining the proposal, the government gave its concurrence to AP Markfed to arrange the required funds through working capital or short-term loans.

The managing director of AP Markfed, Vijayawada and the director of horticulture and sericulture have been directed to take necessary action in this regard.

The horticulture department has also been instructed to initiate the process of claiming reimbursement of the Government of India assistance after disbursement and ensure timely payment of interest and repayment of the principal amount.