Srinivasapur, 11 June 

Mango growers in Srinivasapur, Kolar, observed a complete bandh on Wednesday, demanding government intervention as plummeting mango prices threaten their livelihoods. The shutdown, called by the Srinivasapur Mango Growers’ Association, saw widespread support. Shops, hotels, and businesses remained shut, vehicles stayed off the roads, and government offices and schools witnessed sparse attendance.

The farmers are urging the State government to announce a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for mangoes, citing unsustainable market rates despite Srinivasapur being one of India’s largest mango markets. Mango cultivation spans approximately 45,000 hectares in Kolar, sustaining thousands of families. Srinivasapur’s fruit market sees daily arrivals of 900–950 metric tonnes from May through July.

While traders from across India frequent the market, juice factories in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu remain key buyers. However, this year, a glut in those factories has led to a drastic fall in demand. Andhra Pradesh’s announcement of a Rs 4.18/kg MSP, with average rates around Rs 8/kg, further compounded the price crash in Karnataka. Currently, mangoes in Srinivasapur are selling at just Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per MT, compared to Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 in previous years.

Farmers have submitted a memorandum to district officials. Deputy Commissioner MR Ravi convened a meeting with growers and promised to send a team to negotiate purchases with juice factories, while exploring other sale avenues.

Former MP S Muniswamy also urged the State government to fix an MSP, noting the ripple effect on thousands dependent on the mango trade — including transporters, labourers, and small vendors. He stressed the urgent need for government action to safeguard livelihoods.

“This isn’t just about farmers; it’s about an entire ecosystem of rural workers,” Muniswamy said.