Poll code hits tripartite meeting to fix mango prices in Krishnagiri

Krishnagiri: Model code of conduct has hit the annual tripartite meeting to fix mango prices in the district, leaving farmers worried about getting a fair price for their produce.The meeting, attended by farmers, mango traders and govt officials, is usually held in the last week of March or the first week of April. Pointing to the uncertainty in holding the meeting this year because of the poll code, farmers urged the district administration to obtain special permission from the Election Commission of India to hold the tripartite meeting before the start of harvest season and ensure fair price. Krishnagiri is the leading mango producing district in Tamil Nadu, with cultivation spread across more than 35,000 hectares and annual production of 3,52,436 tonnes. Mango exports from the district generate more than R650 crore in foreign exchange for the central and state govts each year. Farmers said they had been facing huge losses for the past 15 years due to drought, poor rainfall, tree diseases and low market prices. "Although yield improved last year, we did not receive remunerative prices. This year, the yield is affected by intense heat and lack of rain," said S Tamilarasu, a farmer. Farmers said mango export was hit by West Asia conflict and they pegged losses at Rs2,000 crore. Soundararajan, president, Krishnagiri District Mango Farmers Association, said mango growers had been suffering losses year after year and accused traders of spreading false information to suppress prices. "Last year, entire mango output was exported, generating revenues anywhere between Rs1,000 crore and Rs2,000 crore." He urged the district collector to recommend to the central and state govts an incentive of Rs5 per kilogram for mangoes, similar to the support given in Andhra Pradesh. Farmers also demanded establishment of mango pulp factories in Pochampally, Bargur, Krishnagiri and Uthangarai. District collector S Dinesh Kumar said the tripartite meeting could not be held as the election code of conduct was currently in force.