Atchannaidu urges greater central support for agriculture in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Minister of Agriculture, Cooperation and Marketing Kinjarapu Atchannaidu held a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi on Tuesday with Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, seeking enhanced Central support for agriculture, farmers’ welfare, industrial development, and the State’s overall growth.

Mr. Atchannaidu was accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. He explained them Andhra Pradesh’s political situation, development priorities and the coalition government’s initiatives to strengthen agriculture, improve farmers’ incomes and accelerate economic growth.

Mr. Atchannaidu, during his meeting with Mr. Chouhan, sought greater Central assistance to ensure remunerative prices for farmers, strengthen procurement and marketing systems, expand storage and cold chain infrastructure, promote food processing and value-added agriculture, and improve market linkages. The State government was ensuring timely supply of quality seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, while taking proactive steps to avoid disruptions during the cropping season, he said.

Stressing that agriculture remained the backbone of the State’s economy, Mr. Atchannaidu highlighted the importance of supporting horticulture, dairy, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture, as well as encouraging mechanisation, digital agriculture, drone technology, and water-efficient farming, particularly for small and marginal farmers.

He also sought enhanced support for crop insurance and compensation to farmers affected by droughts, floods, cyclones and other natural calamities. Mr. Chouhan appreciated the State’s initiatives and responded positively to its requests.

Mr. Atchannaidu, in his meeting with Mr. Srinivasa Varma, discussed agricultural development, industrialisation and rural economic growth, highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s investment potential, infrastructure, ports, coastline and skilled workforce. 

He emphasised the need for closer Centre-State cooperation to promote industry alongside agriculture for balanced development. Mr. Srinivasa Varma assured continued Central support, while Mr. Atchannaidu reiterated the coalition government’s commitment to making agriculture more profitable, improving farmers’ incomes and accelerating Andhra Pradesh’s economic development.