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A simmering dispute over mangoes has escalated into a full-blown inter-state row, as Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district administration imposed a ban on the entry of Totapuri (also known as Ginimoothi) mangoes from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The decision, announced on June 7, has drawn sharp criticism from Karnataka, triggering a fresh political and agricultural standoff between the two southern neighbours.

Why 'Totapuri' Mango Ban?

The Totapuri mango, known for its distinct parrot-beak shape and mild skin bitterness, is widely cultivated across Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh and parts of neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Prized for its pulp quality, the fruit is a major raw material for processing units supplying both domestic and export markets.

However, this year has seen a sharp drop in market demand, pushing prices to an all-time low. To shield Andhra’s farmers from crashing prices and competition from lower-priced mangoes imported from Karnataka, the Chittoor administration, with backing from forest, marketing, and police departments, enforced the import ban.

The Andhra Pradesh government has simultaneously offered local farmers a lifeline—setting a procurement price of Rs 8 per kg for mango pulp units, topped with a Rs 4 per kg subsidy, as per a report on The Hindustan Times.

Karnataka’s Objection

Karnataka, which has not introduced such support measures, has been selling its Totapuri produce at lower market prices. On June 10, Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh wrote to her Andhra counterpart, K Vijayanand, requesting the immediate withdrawal of the restriction, reported Indian Express.

Taking to X, Siddaramaiah said, "I have written to Andhra Pradesh CM Shri @ncbn requesting him to withdraw the ban on the entry of Totapuri Mangoes from Karnataka into Chittoor district. This ban hurts thousands of farmers and traders. Cooperation between states is vital for the prosperity of our people."

I have written to Andhra Pradesh CM Shri @ncbn requesting him to withdraw the ban on the entry of Totapuri Mangoes from Karnataka into Chittoor district.

This ban hurts thousands of farmers and traders. Cooperation between states is vital for the prosperity of our people. pic.twitter.com/qhlKeaN6Ck

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) June 12, 2025

More Than Just Mangoes: The Political Undertone

The controversy is not merely agricultural. It also carries political undertones. Karnataka is governed by the Congress party, while Andhra Pradesh is under the rule of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a key NDA ally at the Centre led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.