CM Siddaramaiah writes to CM Chandrababu Naidu to lift ban on Totapuri mangoes

A brewing dispute between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh has intensified as the Chittoor district administration imposed a ban on the entry of Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka, causing a sharp decline in prices and widespread unrest among farmers. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written a letter to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart, Chandrababu Naidu, urging the immediate revocation of this restriction, which threatens the livelihoods of farmers, especially in border areas where Totapuri cultivation thrives.

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The ban, enforced by the Chittoor District Collector since June 7, 2025, has disrupted the traditional market linkage between Karnataka’s border farmers and Chittoor’s processing units, a vital outlet for their produce. This sudden move has led to financial strain, with farmers facing potential post-harvest losses. Siddaramaiah emphasized that the decision, made without prior consultation, undermines cooperative federalism and could spark retaliatory actions, such as Karnataka farmers blocking vegetable supplies from Andhra Pradesh. He appealed to Naidu to direct Chittoor authorities to lift the ban promptly to restore normal trade.

Previously, Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh had written to her Andhra Pradesh counterpart, K. Vijayanand, on June 10, 2025, requesting the same. She highlighted the distress caused to farmers in Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts, who depend heavily on Chittoor markets. Rajneesh warned of escalating inter-state tensions if the issue remains unresolved. Following her appeal, Siddaramaiah’s direct intervention underscores the urgency, as farmers express growing frustration over the economic fallout.

The ban has triggered fears of broader trade disruptions, with Karnataka’s farming community demanding swift action. The state government hopes Naidu’s intervention will resolve the crisis, ensuring fair market access for its mango growers and maintaining cordial relations between the two states.