In a recent communication, the Karnataka Chief Minister called on Andhra Pradesh's leadership to reconsider the enforcement of entry restrictions on Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka into Chittoor district. The Karnataka CM highlighted that this decision has brought complications for mango cultivators in the border areas, where the Totapuri variety is grown extensively.
The Karnataka CM emphasized that these agriculturalists depend on established connections with processing units in Chittoor for marketing their yield. The embargo threatens to dismantle this supply chain network, potentially leading to post-harvest losses that affect the economic well-being of numerous farming households.
The CM criticized the lack of prior discussion and mutual agreement on the matter, noting, "Actions of this nature taken without prior consultation or coordination run contrary to the spirit of cooperative federalism."
Concern was also raised about the possibility of heightened tensions and reciprocal actions, adding, "I am also concerned that this may lead to avoidable tension and retaliatory measures, with stakeholders already expressing discontent that could potentially disrupt the inter-state movement of vegetables and other agricultural commodities."
In his appeal, he encouraged his Andhra Pradesh counterpart to instruct the relevant district authorities to annul the mango import ban.
Source: New Indian Express