Focus is on IT, but not at the cost of agriculture, says A.P. CM Naidu  

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that he is focused on the welfare of farmers, while being passionate about adopting emerging technologies in the IT and other sectors. He expressed commitment to promoting the sale of organic produce in Rythu Bazaars and through Mobile Rythu Bazaars. 

Making a statement on the agriculture sector during a discussion in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Mr. Naidu said that he had laid a lot of emphasis on water conservation, construction of reservoirs, check dams, canals, etc. to help farmers make the most of their vocation.

He claimed that it has been his constant endeavour to ensure that farmers earned remunerative prices for their crops, and that market intervention measures were being taken whenever the prices of crops plummeted. 

Mr. Naidu asked the MLCs and MLAs to spend a day every month in the fields and interact with the farmers and solve the problems faced by them. They should also spread awareness about the latest farming techniques that would help farmers increase yields and make the crops climate-resilient. 

Pointing out that Andhra Pradesh was ranked second in the use of pesticides and fertilizers, he suggested that the use of chemicals be brought down.

Further, Mr. Naidu said that the usage of urea increased by 25% this year, but the government made 5.54 lakh metric tonnes of it available to the farmers. He advised the farmers to use organic fertilizers.

“The government is giving the due priority to expanding natural farming and farm mechanisation, and using Kisan drones. Importance has been given to the marine economy while fully supporting agriculture, which accounts for 35% of the GSDP,” he said. 

Efficient water management are critical for agriculture and horticulture, he said, adding that efforts were being made on the completion of pending irrigation projects to make optimum use of the natural resources, he said.