SRINIVASPUR (Kolar dist): A total bandh was observed in Srinivaspur taluk on Wednesday as thousands of mango farmers took to the streets in protest against a dramatic and unexpected crash in mango prices. The strike, called by the Mango Growers’ Association, reflected the growing anguish of a community heavily reliant on mango cultivation for its livelihood.

Shops, markets, and businesses remained shut, and public transport was suspended from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bandh saw a significant police presence to ensure peace, while only essential services were allowed to function. Though most schools and colleges stayed closed, the Education Department had not declared an official holiday.

Once hailed as the mango capital of the world, Srinivaspur’s bustling fruit market has now turned chaotic. Over the past two weeks, mango prices have plummeted to just ₹3,000–₹4,000 per ton, a stark contrast to the ₹15,000 per ton seen in recent years. Unseasonal rain has impacted crop quality, but the larger crisis stems from a steep decline in market demand, leaving large stocks unsold.

Around 70% of the taluk’s farmers rely solely on mango cultivation. With incomes collapsing, anxiety and anger have surged.

Farmer leader Chinnaparareddy, head of the Mango Growers’ Association, urged a peaceful protest and pressed the state government for immediate intervention, including the declaration of a minimum support price (MSP) to cushion further losses. The protest drew support from progressive and Kannada groups across the region.

Police clarified that while peaceful protest is allowed, no business owner should be forced to close.