The State Horticulture Department of Andhra Pradesh has partnered with ICAR-CISH to rejuvenate Totapuri mango orchards through scientific top-working and value-chain strengthening to combat falling prices.
- Collaboration between ICAR-CISH Lucknow, IIHR Bengaluru, and Dr. YSR Horticultural University.
- Implementation of 'Top-working' and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for 150 select farmers.
- Direct price deficit support of ₹4 per kg announced for eligible mango growers.
In a decisive move to stabilize the agricultural economy of the region, the State Horticulture Department has approved a phased project for the top-working of Totapuri orchards. The initiative is led by the ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR-CISH), Lucknow, in a synergistic partnership with the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) and Dr. YSR Horticultural University.
The project is a direct response to a central expert committee report that highlighted a worrying decline in Totapuri mango prices. The committee emphasized that the lack of a robust value chain left farmers vulnerable to market fluctuations, necessitating a shift toward scientific management and industrial processing.
A high-impact training and demonstration event was held in Chinnagottigallu mandal, Tirupati district, where 150 farmers received technical guidance on scientific orchard management. The focus remained on 'Good Agricultural Practices' (GAP), ensuring that the transition from traditional farming to scientific horticulture is seamless and sustainable.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the project targets the structural weakness of the mango trade in Andhra Pradesh. By investing in pack-houses and post-harvest infrastructure through the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), the state is moving away from the 'commodity trap' and toward a 'value-added' economy, which is essential for long-term farmer profitability.
"The integration of scientific rejuvenation and market diversification is the only shield farmers have against the volatility of global fruit prices."
Key interventions under the MIDH include the construction of specialized pack houses, the distribution of fruit covers to prevent pest damage, and subsidies for post-harvest infrastructure. Scientists S.C. Ravi and H.S. Singh from ICAR-CISH urged farmers to explore byproduct processing to tap into untapped international markets.
Adding to the relief, District Horticultural Officer Jaya Bharath Reddy announced that the price deficit support of ₹4 per kg would be disbursed shortly, providing a necessary financial cushion to the farming community.
Traditional vs. Modern Orchard Management
| Feature | Traditional Approach | New Project (GAP) |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Management | Natural growth/Old age | Scientific Top-working |
| Market Strategy | Local Mandi sales | Value Addition & Diversification |
| Infrastructure | Open-air storage | Subsidized Pack Houses |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is 'Top-working' in mango orchards?
A: It is a horticultural technique where the upper part of an old or unproductive tree is removed and replaced with high-yielding, superior scions via grafting.
Q2: What financial aid is being provided to the farmers?
A: Eligible Totapuri mango farmers will receive a price deficit support of ₹4 per kg.