This document summarizes the Indian government's response to a parliamentary question regarding the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on mango pulp. Shri Sachithanantham R. inquired about the impact of the GST rate on demand from beverage companies, measures to protect mango growers in Tamil Nadu, and proposals for GST reduction.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, responded that the current GST rate on mango pulp is 12%, determined by the GST Council, comprising representatives from both the central and state governments.
To support mango growers, the government implements the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a centrally sponsored scheme initiated in 2014-15. This scheme provides assistance for improving production and productivity through various interventions, including planting material production, improved cultivars, orchard rejuvenation, protected cultivation, water resource creation, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), and organic farming. The scheme also focuses on post-harvest management and marketing to enhance price realization and capacity building for farmers and technicians. Under MIDH, assistance is provided for area expansion of horticulture crops including mango 40% of the maximum cost limited to maximum area of 2 ha. per beneficiary on pro rata basis for meeting the expenditure on planting material, cost of material of drip irrigation, mulching and INM/IPM etc. in 2 installments of 60:40 subject to survival rate of 80% in 2nd year. In case of North East and Himalayan states, scheduled areas, vibrant villages, Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, assistance is 50% of maximum cost.
Regarding GST rate rationalization, the GST Council formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation during its 45th meeting on September 17, 2021. The GoM's mandate includes reviewing the current GST rate slab structure, including special rates, and recommending rationalization measures.
Key Entities Referenced
GST Council: The Goods and Services Tax Council, a body consisting of representatives of both the Central and State Governments, responsible for prescribing GST rates.
Mango Pulp: A product derived from mangoes, subject to GST, and the focus of the question regarding its impact on demand and growers.
Tamil Nadu: A state in India, specifically mentioned in the context of protecting mango growers.
SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM R: Member of LOK SABHA who asked the question about GST on Mango Pulp
SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY: Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance who provided the answer to the question.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture MIDH: A Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector in the country, including mangoes.
Integrated Pest Management IPM: A method for pest control mentioned as part of the assistance provided under MIDH.
Group of Ministers GoM on Rate Rationalisation: A committee constituted by the GST Council to review the current rate slab structure of GST and recommend rationalization measures.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.173
TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, JULY 21, 2025//ASHADHA 30, 1947 (SAKA)
EXORBITANT GST ON MANGO PULP
173. SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM R:
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that due to high GST rate on Mango pulp,
the demand from beverage companies has been decreased;
(b) whether the Government has taken appropriate measures to protect mango
growers in Tamil Nadu;
(c) whether the Government has sent any proposal for reduction of GST on Mango
Pulp to the GST Council; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)
(a): GST rates are prescribed based on the recommendations of the GST Council
which consists of representatives of both Centre and State Governments. Currently,
Mango pulp, attract GST at the rate of 12%.
(b): The measures taken by the government for horticulture crops and mangoes are
as below:
(i) Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a Centrally Sponsored
Scheme is being implemented w.e.f. 2014-15, for holistic growth of the horticulture
sector in the country. Under MIDH, assistance is provided for activities related to
production and productivity improvement of horticulture crops including mango
through various interventions. Under MIDH, assistance is also provided for activities
such as production of planting material, vegetable seed production, coverage of area
with improved cultivars, rejuvenation of senile orchards, protected cultivation,
creation of water resources, adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM),
Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), organic farming, including in-situ generation
of organic inputs, for the development of fruits and vegetables. Capacity buildings of
farmers and technicians are also provided for adopting improved technologies.
Scheme also envisages creation of post-harvest management (PHM) and marketing
for better price realization of produce.(ii) Under MIDH, assistance is provided for area expansion of horticulture crops
including mango @ 40% of the maximum cost limited to maximum area of 2 ha. per
beneficiary on pro rata basis for meeting the expenditure on planting material, cost of
material of drip irrigation, mulching and INM/IPM etc. in 2 installments of 60:40
subject to survival rate of 80% in 2nd year. In case of North East and Himalayan
states, scheduled areas, vibrant villages, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep
Islands, assistance is @50% of maximum cost.
(c) and (d): The GST Council in its 45th meeting held on 17th September, 2021 has
constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation and the Terms of
Reference of GoM include review of the current rate slab structure of GST, including
special rates, and recommend rationalization measures.
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