In a significant move to support Tamil Nadu farmers, the Centre on Wednesday approved the procurement of copra and Totapuri mangoes under price support mechanisms, according to a release from the Union Agriculture Ministry. The approval, granted by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, ensures remunerative prices for producers and shields them from market fluctuations.
Copra Procurement Under Price Support Scheme
Based on a proposal from the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Centre has approved the procurement of 87,226 tonnes of copra (Khopra) during 2026. This includes 87,000 tonnes of milling Khopra and 226 metric tonnes of ball copra. The entire procurement will be conducted at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) under the Price Support Scheme (PSS). The total MSP value of the approved copra procurement exceeds ₹1,049 crore, the release stated.
| Commodity | Quantity (Tonnes) | Scheme | MSP Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milling Khopra | 87,000 | Price Support Scheme (MSP) | >₹1,049 crore (combined) |
| Ball Copra | 226 | Price Support Scheme (MSP) | Included above |
| Totapuri Mango | 96,879 | Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) | ₹1,545/quintal MIP |
The decision is expected to ensure remunerative prices for Khopra growers in Tamil Nadu and protect them from distress sales due to falling market prices. With assured procurement at MSP, farmers gain greater income security and confidence that the government will purchase their produce at the notified price.
Market Intervention Scheme for Totapuri Mango Growers
In addition to copra, Minister Chouhan also approved the procurement of 96,879 tonnes of Totapuri mangoes in Tamil Nadu during 2026 under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). The Market Intervention Price (MIP) has been fixed at ₹1,545 per quintal.
The intervention aims to ensure that Totapuri mango growers receive fair and remunerative prices and are protected from selling at a loss due to sudden market price declines. The release noted that the measure is expected to provide price stability, safeguard farmers' incomes, and ensure better returns on their produce.
Implications for Farmers and Commodity Markets
For commodity traders and agribusiness executives, these government interventions set a floor price for copra and Totapuri mangoes in Tamil Nadu, potentially influencing spot market dynamics. The large procurement volumes—over 87,000 tonnes of copra and nearly 97,000 tonnes of mangoes—will be absorbed by government agencies, reducing supply pressure on open markets. This could support prices for these commodities in the region, especially during peak harvest seasons. The assured offtake at MSP for copra and MIP for mangoes provides a benchmark for private buyers, who may need to offer competitive prices to source produce from Tamil Nadu. Market participants should monitor procurement progress and any adjustments to quantities or pricing, as these will affect availability and pricing for the 2026 season.
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