Vijayawada: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to implement a 'farm to home' model in the state to ensure that agricultural produce, particularly vegetables and fruits, reaches consumers directly from farmers through Farmers' Producer Organisations (FPOs). He stated that this new marketing strategy would help farmers secure better value while enabling consumers to receive produce at a lower cost through doorstep delivery.
Review of Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Reviewing the agriculture and allied sectors, along with six missions under the primary sector, at the camp office on Tuesday, Naidu instructed officials to prepare region-wise crop plans by assessing the likely impact of El Niño on the state this season. He stressed the need to protect farmers from losses and ensure minimum support prices despite adverse weather conditions.
Promotion of Natural Farming
The chief minister directed officials to promote natural farming across different regions and encourage cultivation through PMDS and half-moon methods in water-scarce areas. He also asked officials to seek greater support from the Centre for natural farming initiatives being implemented in Andhra Pradesh and utilise the services of farmers who have already succeeded in the sector.
Modernisation and Mechanisation
Naidu emphasised the need for modernisation and mechanisation in agriculture, soil testing to identify crop suitability, and making soil health data available online for farmers. He instructed officials to establish special counters for natural farming products in Rythu Bazaars and private markets. The agriculture department was directed to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and promote the use of micronutrients.
Referring to global uncertainties and potential disruptions in fertiliser availability due to international conflicts, he stressed the importance of encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming. He also directed authorities to expand the use of drones and farm machinery and integrate all agriculture-related services through a farmer app.
Development of Rayalaseema as Horticulture Hub
The chief minister said the Rayalaseema region would be developed as a horticulture hub under the Purvodaya scheme with Rs 40,000 crore investments in irrigation projects, road connectivity, warehouses, and other infrastructure, along with Rs 60,000 crore private investments. He asked officials to examine the proposal for establishing a Cocoa City at Yadavolu near Devarapalli in East Godavari district. Naidu also announced that the foundation stone for the Indian School of Agriculture at Madanapalle would be laid in July.
Food Testing Laboratory and Aqua Sector
Naidu ordered the immediate completion and operationalisation of the Central Food Testing Laboratory at Pulivendula by releasing Rs 3 crore. He stated that the state aims to bring four lakh acres under aqua zones and stressed the need for quality certification and traceability in the aqua sector. He also directed officials to promote fish cultivation in all water bodies to improve fishermen's incomes and approved the procurement of 200 mechanised boats for fishermen along the coast at an estimated cost of Rs 240 crore.
Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu, Chief Secretary Sai Prasad, and senior officials attended the review meeting.
