All India Food Processors Association chairman Govardhan Bobby submitting a representation to Principal Secretary Chiranjeevi Chowdhary in Chittoor on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Andhra Pradesh government is pursuing the proposal to establish a Mango Board in Chittoor, aimed at supporting the mango growers and processing units as well.
The proposal was submitted to the Centre in the 2026 budget, said Principal Secretary for Food Processing Chiranjeevi Chowdhary at a review meeting, here, on Saturday.
Mr. Chowdary said the proposed board is envisaged to coordinate the production, processing, marketing, and export of the produce, backed by long-term institutional support to mango industry.
Mr. Chowdhary said that mango processing units should procure fruits from farmers at minimum support prices (MSP), ensuring a decent income for the latter.
GST exemption
The State government would soon release ₹8 crore towards clearing the dues of the pulp processing units. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has written to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, seeking GST exemption on mango-based processed products, he said.
Collector Sumit Kumar said that 1.15 lakh tonnes of mangoes had been procured by July first week, and another 1.7 lakh tonnes were expected to be procured in the coming days.
All India Food Processors Association Chairman (South Zone) Govardhan Bobby urged the officials to effect a reduction in GST on mango pulp from the existing 12% to 5%. He said steps should be taken to include mango juice in mid-day meal scheme in government schools and temples across Andhra Pradesh.
Published – July 06, 2025 07:39 am IST
