AIADMK Rallies for Hope: Powerful Hunger Strike to Support Struggling Mango Farmers in Krishnagiri
AIADMK members, led by Deputy General Secretary K.P. Munusamy, staged a sit-in hunger strike in Krishnagiri on June 20, 2025, protesting the significant drop in mango prices. The demonstration, held near the new bus stand grounds, was aimed at expressing solidarity with local mango growers facing financial challenges due to an oversupply of fruit combined with low prices set by the pulp industry.
Farmers have been forced to sell Totapuri mangoes at alarming rates, some as low as ₹3 to ₹5 per kilogram. This price collapse is attributed to a bumper harvest coinciding with reduced demand from beverage companies, which are citing the impact of global conflicts on market conditions. The mango pulp industry has reported a decline in new orders, exacerbating the crisis for growers who depend on fair pricing.
During the protest, not only did K.P. Munusamy participate, but he was also joined by former Krishnagiri MP K. Ashok Kumar and ex-Minister Y. Balakrishna Reddy, along with AIADMK leader M. Thambidurai from the Rajya Sabha. The AIADMK has called on the Tamil Nadu government to establish a support price for mangoes akin to that of Andhra Pradesh, where growers receive ₹4 per kg, while the pulp industry procures the fruit at ₹8 per kg.
A notable incident occurred during the protest when farmers, in an act of defiance against the government and the declining mango prices, dumped large quantities of mangoes at the site. This led to the discovery of a non-venomous tree snake that rattled onlookers, resulting in the unfortunate death of the snake at the hands of some individuals present.
The AIADMK’s sit-in not only highlights the critical issues faced by farmers in the region but also addresses broader concerns over agricultural policies and price supports that are crucial for economic stability. As this dramatic protest unfolded, it underscored the urgent need for government intervention to protect the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture.
The fallout from the current market situation demands immediate action. With the monsoon season approaching, farmers are not only concerned about the price of mangoes but also about how weather patterns might influence their future yields. The AIADMK’s protest reflects a growing frustration among agricultural communities who feel neglected in times of economic distress.
As farmers continue to advocate for better pricing and support, the repercussions of this decline in mango prices will likely resonate well beyond Krishnagiri, affecting markets across Tamil Nadu. The outcome of this protest may not only shape the immediate future for mango growers but also set a precedent for how agricultural challenges are addressed in the state moving forward.
Published – June 20, 2025 05:24 PM IST
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/aiadmk-stages-hunger-strike-supporting-mango-farmers-in-krishnagiri/article69717071.ece
Category : Coimbatore
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Publish Date: 2025-06-20 17:24:00
