Mango pulp units, exporters plead for cut in GST on pulp

Mango pulp industries and exporters have appealed to the State Government to impress upon the Centre to slash GST on mango pulp.

During a review meeting at his residence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu here, they said that while import duties are low in Pakistan and African countries, they remain high in European markets. They requested that the State Government engage with the Centre to seek duty reductions from these nations.

They also appealed to the Chief Minister to recommend a reduction in GST on mango pulp, from the current 12% to 5%. The Chief Minister responded that he had already written to the Centre on this matter and will follow up again. He acknowledged that current mango yields range between 6 to 12 tons per acre and stressed that farmers must get fair prices, while processing units and pulp industries remain economically viable.

Industry representatives also suggested including mango juice in the mid-day meal scheme for three days a week. However, the Chief Minister clarified that students are currently provided with eggs as a nutritional supplement. He stated that the proposal will be studied further.

Later Naidu asked the mango farmers and the pulp industry to work together to align agricultural production with market demand.

He told the mango farmers, representatives from pulp industries, and processing units from the Chittoor district processing and pulp industries should immediately begin the procurement of mangoes from farmers to provide direct support.

At the same time, he assured that the government would extend support to these industries as well. The Chief Minister emphasised that steps will be taken to ensure mango farmers do not face such challenges in the future.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that 1.12 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes have been procured so far, while an additional 1.70 lakh metric tons are expected in the coming days. Farmers highlighted their concerns to the Chief Minister, including a lack of orders, limited storage space, and delays in procurement. In some locations, unloading is taking three to four days, causing further distress.

Naidu advised mango farmers to shift towards natural farming practices, reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides. He underlined the importance of discipline in cultivation and highlighted that testing, tracing, and certification are now global requirements.

He stated that if AP’s mangoes are to compete internationally, they must meet global standards. He directed processing industries to purchase mangoes in line with their capacity and to ensure fair prices for farmers, specifically mandating a minimum procurement price of ₹8 per kg without delays.

The Chief Minister also cautioned farmers to stay vigilant against misinformation or provocations and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to their welfare.