Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Sets Ambitious Horticulture Target for Key Districts
In a significant development for Andhra Pradesh's agricultural sector, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has issued clear directives to state officials to strategically plan horticulture cultivation aligned with global market demands. During a high-level meeting held on Tuesday, Naidu emphasized the need for comprehensive planning to transform specific regions into horticulture powerhouses.
Massive Horticulture Expansion Planned Across Multiple Districts
The chief minister has instructed officials to prepare a detailed action plan with a specific target of achieving 500 lakh metric tonnes of horticulture output across three key regions: Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and Markapuram districts. This ambitious initiative represents a major push to enhance the state's agricultural productivity and economic prospects.
Agriculture Minister K Achchennaidu provided crucial insights during the meeting, revealing that horticulture cultivation is expected to expand significantly in these districts once the proposed projects reach completion. According to the minister's presentation, officials have proposed 201 clusters across 303 mandals spanning 10 districts for horticulture expansion.
The cultivation area is planned to increase substantially from the current 8.41 lakh hectares to 14.41 lakh hectares over a three-year period, marking a dramatic transformation in the state's agricultural landscape.
Developing World-Class Horticulture Clusters with International Interest
Chief Minister Naidu articulated his vision to develop Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and Markapuram districts as the world's largest horticulture cluster. He revealed that DP World from Dubai has already expressed interest in establishing a horticulture cluster in Andhra Pradesh, indicating international confidence in the state's agricultural potential.
Naidu specifically asked officials to study international best practices and develop the necessary ecosystem to support this massive horticulture initiative. This includes examining successful models from other countries and adapting them to local conditions while maintaining global competitiveness.
Inter-Departmental Coordination and Funding Strategy
During the meeting with ministers and senior officials from irrigation, agriculture, finance, and planning departments, Naidu emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts. He directed all line departments to work together with the central government and utilize funds from multiple sources including:
- Poorvodaya schemes
- SASCI initiatives
- Various state government programs
This multi-pronged funding approach aims to ensure adequate financial resources for comprehensive horticulture development alongside other developmental works.
Urgent Focus on Irrigation Project Completion
The chief minister placed particular emphasis on expediting the completion of irrigation projects in Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and Markapuram districts. Ministers Nimmala Ramanaidu and Payyavula Keshav highlighted that many irrigation projects had been left pending from earlier administrations and required immediate attention.
Naidu directed officials to prioritize projects across all 10 districts, focusing initially on works that require lower investment for quicker completion. He set specific deadlines for key projects, stating that the Veligonda project must be completed this year and asking officials to prepare plans for rebuilding the Annamayya project.
Strategic Water Management Initiatives
The chief minister emphasized the critical need to focus on taking Krishna water to Kadapa through the Galeru–Nagari project. Officials explained that more than 20 projects require development to achieve this crucial water transfer. According to their estimates, these projects will create new irrigation potential for 8.87 lakh acres and stabilize irrigation in another 4.30 lakh acres.
Naidu also instructed officials to take up projects in north coastal districts, noting that completion of Polavaram left canal works will enable Godavari water to reach north Andhra. He added that this infrastructure development would facilitate the Polavaram–Vamsadhara linkage project. Officials were asked to prepare a priority-wise plan for north Andhra region projects to ensure systematic implementation.
Araku Utsav Inauguration to Boost Tourism
In a related development, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate Araku Utsav on January 29, an event specifically aimed at encouraging tourism in the state. After traveling by helicopter to Kottavalasa, the CM will interact with tribals in Chompi who maintain homestay facilities in the area.
The inauguration ceremony will include the opening of the Coffee Museum, showcasing the region's rich coffee heritage. Naidu is also scheduled to interact with Telugu Desam Party cadres and leaders during his visit, combining developmental initiatives with political engagement.
This comprehensive approach to agricultural development, irrigation infrastructure, and tourism promotion reflects the Andhra Pradesh government's multi-sectoral strategy for economic growth and regional development.
