In India's Andhra Pradesh state, Rs 146.84 crore (US$17.6 million) has been transferred directly to the bank accounts of 31,929 mango farmers in Chittoor district under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. District Collector Sumit Kumar announced the payments during a press briefing, confirming that the subsidies cover 3.67 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes produced this season. District Horticulture Officer Madhusudan Reddy was also present.
"As per the State Government's decision to provide a subsidy of Rs 4 per kilogram to mango farmers, Rs 146.84 crore (US$17.6 million) has been credited to the accounts of 31,929 eligible farmers. The highest disbursement was recorded in Bangarupalem mandal," Kumar said. He added that, unlike Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh is the only state offering both subsidies and minimum support prices for mango growers. "On behalf of the mango farmers, I express gratitude to the State government for standing by them," he stated.
The Collector explained that eligibility for the subsidy was verified through e-Crop booking and field inspections. Farmers who have not yet received payments but meet eligibility criteria can submit grievances to Rythu Seva Kendras (RSKs) or to mandal and district horticulture officials by October 30. "Their eligibility will be verified within 48 hours," Kumar said.
He added that 21 farmers are eligible for subsidies exceeding Rs 5 lakh (US$6,000) each, with their cases under review before final disbursement.
Addressing the food processing sector, Kumar noted that mango processing units in Gudipala, Punganur, and Bangarupalem that fail to pay government-declared prices to farmers will not receive support from the Industries Department. "Agro-based industries should not operate solely for commercial or political interests, but must also consider the welfare of the farming community," he said.
The subsidy disbursement forms part of the state's broader policy to stabilize farm incomes through direct payments and market price regulation during harvest seasons.
Source: Hans India
