On July 9, 2025, the Bangarupalyam Market Yard in Chittoor District became a focal point of protest and solidarity as YSRCP President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy arrived to support distressed mango farmers. Facing unprecedented police restrictions, arrests, and a dire agricultural crisis, Jagan demanded that the coalition government procure the entire mango crop from 76,000 farmers at Rs. 12 per kg, condemning the government’s inaction and oppressive tactics in a fiery press meet.
Farmer gripped by crisis
Chittoor, a hub of mango cultivation, supports 76,000 farmers who grow mangoes across 2.20 lakh acres, producing 6.45 lakh metric tons annually. These farmers, once sustained by fair prices of Rs. 22–29 per kg under the YSRCP government (2019–2024), now face a grim reality: their crop is fetching as little as Rs. 2–3 per kg. “I spent thousands on fertilizers and labor,” one farmer shared, his voice heavy with despair. “At Rs. 2 per kg, I can’t even cover transport costs. My crop is rotting.”
The collapse in prices stems from the government’s failure to initiate timely mango procurement. During the YSRCP era, procurement began by May 10, ensuring stable markets. This year, delays until June flooded the market, allowing the district’s 52 pulp companies to slash prices to as low as Rs. 2.50 per kg. Jagan questioned, “Why hasn’t procurement started on time? Why are farmers forced to sell at Rs. 2 per kg when Karnataka secured Rs. 16 per kg from the Centre?”
Police crackdown and public defiance
Jagan’s visit was met with severe restrictions. Over 2,000 police personnel were deployed, setting up checkposts from the helipad to the market yard. Vehicles, including Jagan’s convoy, were scrutinized, with even an escort vehicle stopped. YSRCP leaders were denied entry, and barricades on the Chittoor-Bengaluru highway disrupted traffic, inconveniencing travelers. Farmers faced threats of rowdy sheets, and fuel stations were ordered not to refuel their vehicles. The government capped attendance at 500, prompting Jagan to ask, “Are only 500 farmers suffering? Why is the government so afraid of me meeting them?”
Despite these barriers, thousands of farmers and YSRCP workers broke through gates, chanting “Jai Jagan” and walking kilometers to reach the market yard. Tensions escalated when reports emerged of police assaulting workers. Shashidhar Reddy, a YSRCP youth wing secretary from Chandragiri, suffered a head injury. Jagan attempted to exit his convoy to address the situation but was stopped by the Superintendent of Police and escorted back. “Are you police or demons in human form?” Jagan demanded, condemning the arrest of over 1,200 farmers and workers. “You have problems too,” he told police officers. “When you face them, only Jagan will speak for you.”
A Broken System
The mango crisis reflects a broader collapse in Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural framework. Jagan highlighted how, under YSRCP, Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) provided seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, while e-cropping and Markfed procurement ensured fair prices. Input subsidies and free crop insurance protected farmers. “No crop, paddy, chili, tobacco, or mangoes is fetching a fair price today,” Jagan said. “Paddy is sold at Rs. 300–400 less than it should. RBKs are defunct, subsidies are gone, and insurance is nonexistent.”
He contrasted this with the current government’s inaction, noting that even the promised Rs. 20,000 under Rythu Bharosa has not been delivered. “Farmers are left on the streets,” Jagan said, pointing to the dismantling of agricultural testing labs and e-crop systems that once supported farmers.
YS Jagan’s demands and warning
“The government must procure the entire crop from 76,000 farmers at Rs. 12 per kg, depositing the money in their accounts. Buy the crop and sell it in the market.” He warned, “If these demands are not met, YSRCP will launch a strong protest.” Jagan emphasized his role as a voice for the marginalized, stating, “Whether it’s chili, tobacco, or mango farmers, or employees demanding IR, PRC, or DA, only YS Jagan speaks up. I expose Chandrababu’s broken Super Six promises.”
He challenged the government’s priorities, asking why Andhra Pradesh lags when Karnataka secured central support for its farmers. “What is Chandrababu doing? Why can’t he persuade the Centre for better prices?” Jagan’s words resonated with the crowd, who see him as their last hope in a season of despair.
Call to humanity
Jagan’s visit was a rallying cry for Chittoor’s farmers, 80% of whom depend on agriculture. “These are not rowdies; they are farmers fighting for survival,” he said, urging police and the public to recognize their shared struggles. “When your problems arise, only Jagan will stand for you,” he told officers, warning against succumbing to political pressures from “bribe-taking SPs and DIGs.”
