Tirupati launches project to strengthen Totapuri mango value chain

Scientists from ICAR-CISH, Lucknow and the state horticulture department looked at a mango tree in Chinnagottigallu mandal of Tirupati district on Friday. | Photo credit: HANDOUT

The State Horticulture Department has approved a project for phased commissioning of Totapuri Orchards with ICAR Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR-CISH) Lucknow as lead organization in collaboration with Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) Bengaluru and Dr. YSR Horticultural University in Andhra Pradesh.

After the central expert committee, set up to look into the decline in Totapuri mango prices, submitted its report and recommended strategies to strengthen the value chain, government agencies started implementing these suggestions with due seriousness.

A training and demonstration event on ‘Top-working and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)’ was organized at Chinnagottigallu mandal in Tirupati district on Friday (September 11, 2026) where experts imparted technical guidance on scientific orchard management to 150 selected mango growers.

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) interventions include rejuvenation of mango orchards, construction of packing houses, distribution of fruit packaging and subsidies for post-harvest management infrastructure.

ICAR-CISH scientists SC Ravi, HS Singh and Abha Singh explained the status of the central panel’s recommendations besides looking at fresh fruit marketing, processing, value addition and market diversification. They advised farmers to adopt appropriate grafting methods and timing of operations and also suggested processing by-products to tap newer markets.

District Horticulturist Jaya Bharath Reddy announced that a price deficit subsidy of ₹ 4 per kg to eligible Totapuri mango farmers would be paid soon.

Published – 11 Sep 2026 21:10 IST