Stalin Urges PM Modi to Support Tamil Nadu’s Mango Farmers

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide essential support for the state’s mango farmers. In a letter, he emphasized the importance of enhancing exports and adding value to mango production as a means to bolster the national economy. Stalin outlined the crucial need for infrastructure development to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s mango export policy, which aims to increase the export of table varieties and diversify mango-based products.

In his correspondence, Stalin stressed that improvements in infrastructure and compliance with export standards are vital for achieving these objectives. He requested that the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Union Commerce Ministry, be directed to assist Tamil Nadu in establishing facilities such as Integrated Pack Houses, Inland Container Depots, cold ports, and quality testing laboratories.

Stalin also sought APEDA’s help in organizing buyer-seller meets, identifying potential international buyers, and conducting capacity-building programs focused on export standards. He expressed that these initiatives would enhance the quality and market value of Tamil Nadu’s mangoes while reducing the state’s reliance on pulp-based industries.

In his letter, Stalin referenced an earlier communication dated June 24, 2025, where he highlighted the significant challenges faced by mango farmers cultivating processable varieties. Last season, these farmers experienced a severe price crash due to low demand for mango pulp, prompting him to request timely central intervention this year to avert a similar crisis.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns regarding packaged juice manufacturers who set the fruit pulp content in mango beverages without adhering to norms established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He urged the Union Government to ensure strict compliance with FSSAI standards by mandating beverage manufacturers to maintain a minimum pulp content of 18–20% in mango-based drinks. Such measures, he argued, would increase pulp procurement, enhance beverage quality, and provide price stability for mango farmers.

Stalin further emphasized the significance of consumer welfare, noting that these actions would improve the credibility of Indian fruit beverages in global markets. He reiterated Tamil Nadu’s commitment to strengthening its agro-export base, stating that the state’s mango export policy seeks to combine quality enhancement with equitable economic growth.

In closing, he appealed for the Prime Minister’s timely intervention, asserting that it would not only protect the interests of mango farmers but also contribute significantly to the national economy through enhanced exports and value addition.