District Collector Takes a Stand: No Mercy for Traders Shortchanging Mango Farmers!

District Collector Takes Firm Stand to Support Totapuri Mango Farmers

In a proactive move to ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their Totapuri mangoes, District Collector Sumit Kumar issued a stern warning to traders on Thursday regarding adherence to government-fixed prices. This announcement follows a series of inspections at local mango processing facilities, aiming to bolster support for the agricultural community in the district.

Support for Farmers Amid Growing Concerns

During his inspection at the Jain factory in Gangadhara Nellore and the RMM factory in Gudipala, Collector Kumar engaged directly with factory management and farmers alike. His primary message was clear: traders must adhere to the government-mandated prices for mango procurement. "We will take action against anyone who denies the price fixed by the government,” he stated firmly.

Kumar acknowledged the immense hard work and dedication of local mango farmers, emphasizing the importance of fair trading practices that do not exploit their labor. This directive is particularly relevant as season’s yield of Totapuri mangoes increases, providing an opportunity for greater profit but also posing risks of price manipulation.

Enhancements in Processing Capacity and Facilities

The collector did not stop at warning traders but also made vital suggestions to enhance the efficiency of local mango processing facilities. He urged factory management to:

• Increase the Processing Capacity: With the influx of mangoes expected, enhancing the processing capabilities is crucial to ensure that none of the crops go to waste.

• Provide Adequate Packing Materials: Ensuring that the right packing materials are available will be instrumental in maintaining the quality of the mangoes as they make their way to markets.

• Accelerate Payment to Farmers: Ensuring that farmers receive timely payments is essential for maintaining their livelihoods and encouraging continued agricultural production.

In a statement that resonated with optimism, Kumar assured farmers that no one would face losses due to inadequate market support: "The government is ready to purchase all the mango yield in the district.”

Direct Engagement with Farmers

To further bolster farmers’ confidence, Joint Collector Vidyadhari visited a pulp factory at Nalagampalli in the Bangarupalem mandal. Her presence was aimed at ensuring smooth processes for farmers as they arrived to sell their produce. During her visit, she emphasized that farmers should remain calm and assured them that there were protocols in place to facilitate their transactions.

Vidyadhari highlighted the establishment of a helpline specifically for farmers, providing emergency support and information. The helpline numbers—08572-242777 and 9491077325—are dedicated to addressing any concerns farmers may have during this busy harvesting season.

An Encouraging Environment for Agriculture

The steps taken by the District Collector and Joint Collector underline a renewed commitment to supporting agricultural sectors in the district. Initiatives like providing basic amenities—such as food and water at factories—reflect an understanding of the challenges farmers face during peak harvest periods.

Key initiatives include:

• Government Assistance: The government has committed to purchasing all mangoes, promising farmers support and stability during the harvesting season.

• Infrastructure Improvements: There’s a call for the enhancement of facilities that handle the incoming yields, ensuring that bottlenecks are minimized and productivity maximized.

• Community Engagement: By fostering an environment where traders and farmers can communicate effectively, market dynamics can stabilise, ultimately benefiting local agriculture.

Conclusion: A Collective Effort for Growth

The District Collector’s assertive approach serves as a reminder of the importance of fair practices in agriculture. As the mango season progresses, ongoing dialogues between government officials, traders, and farmers will be crucial in creating a sustainable system that champions both economic growth and ethical practices.

Moving forward, farmers in the district can feel bolstered by the assurance of government support and a commitment to protect their interests. With this collaborative effort, the Totapuri mango yield can flourish, contributing not just to local economies but also to the broader agricultural narrative of resilience and growth in the region.