Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy has called on the state government to implement a minimum support price (MSP) for mango farmers, who are reeling from a sharp drop in prices despite a bumper harvest. In a statement issued on June 24, 2026, Kumaraswamy highlighted that growers are suffering due to continuously falling prices, adverse weather conditions, and rising cultivation costs.
Price Crash Amid Bumper Harvest
Karnataka, one of India's leading mango-producing states, has recorded a good harvest this season. However, market prices have plummeted, leaving farmers with significant losses. According to Kumaraswamy, the price of mangoes in wholesale markets has fallen by over 40% compared to the previous season, while input costs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and labor have increased by 15-20%. The leader attributed the price crash to a glut in the market, compounded by inadequate cold storage facilities and limited export opportunities.
Adverse Weather and Rising Costs
Farmers have also faced challenges from unseasonal rains and hailstorms earlier in the year, which damaged the quality of some produce. Kumaraswamy noted that the combination of high production costs and low returns is pushing many growers into debt. "The government must step in to ensure that farmers receive a fair price for their produce. An MSP mechanism will provide a safety net and prevent distress sales," he said.
Demand for Government Intervention
Kumaraswamy urged the Karnataka government to announce a MSP of at least ₹50 per kilogram for premium varieties such as Alphonso and Badami, and ₹30 per kilogram for common varieties. He also called for the establishment of more procurement centers and the expansion of cold storage infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses. The JD(S) leader warned that if the government fails to act, farmers may resort to protests.
Impact on Farmers
The price crash has severely affected small and marginal farmers, who constitute the majority of mango growers in Karnataka. Many are forced to sell their produce at throwaway prices to middlemen. "We have invested heavily in our orchards, but we are not even recovering our costs. The government must listen to our plight," said a farmer from Ramanagara district, echoing Kumaraswamy's concerns. The demand for MSP comes amid a broader debate on agricultural pricing policies in India.
