Focus is on modernising agriculture, improving farmers’ income, says Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said the TDP-led NDA government in the State was focused on modernising agriculture and improving farmers’ income, while implementing welfare and development initiatives simultaneously.

Speaking at the PM Kisan-Annadata Sukhibhava programme at Surampalli in Gannavaram constituency, where ₹6,000 was credited to the bank accounts of each of the 46.85 lakh farmers towards the third instalment of the scheme, the Chief Minister said, in this instalment alone, ₹2,670 crore had been credited to the farmers’ accounts, including ₹1,874 crore as the State’s share.

Mr. Naidu said the government was promoting “agritech” in farming, with farmers increasingly using drones for seed-sowing and drip irrigation for vegetable crops. “So far, 25,187 farmers have been provided agricultural equipment, and subsidies are being extended to nearly 90% of the SC and ST farmers, along with soil testing facility to improve productivity,” he said.

Mr. Naidu emphasised on water security, stating that reservoirs currently hold around 65% water, which would be sufficient for both Kharif and Rabi crops. He advised farmers to prepare nurseries by May 15 so that crops could utilise early monsoon rains. “Canals across the State will be desilted and irrigation committees formed to ensure efficient water management and prevent flooding,” he said.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to completing the Polavaram project, Mr. Naidu said it would be dedicated to the nation ahead of the Godavari Pushkaralu. He alleged that the previous government’s actions led to the collapse of the ₹440-crore diaphragm wall, which was now being rebuilt at an additional cost of ₹1,000 crore.

The Chief Minister said horticulture crops such as Nuzvid mango, Araku Coffee, and Guntur chilli would be promoted, while palm oil cultivation and aquaculture would be expanded. A 500-acre Cocoa City would be developed in Eluru district and food processing units set up at Mallavalli to boost agricultural exports, he said.

The Chief Minister noted that the West Asia conflict affected exports of some agricultural products. “Rayalasseema bananas exported to the Gulf countries and egg exports are facing disruptions, which can impact prices,” he said, informing that a Ministerial Committee had been formed to address issues such as supply disruptions and gas shortages.

He said the the government also had plans to establish an Indian School of Agriculture, modelled on the lines of Indian School of Business, to provide farmers with expert guidance on improving productivity and income. The Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Project would also be completed to enhance irrigation facilities, he assured.

Highlighting welfare initiatives, Mr. Naidu said schemes such as Annadata Sukhibhava, Thalliki Vandanam and Stree Shakti were being implemented, along with grant of three free LPG cylinders and pensions ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹15,000. The government was also extending support to auto drivers, fishermen, priests, pastors and imams, he said.

He said care was being taken to give equal focus to both welfare and development, and noted that economic growth would generate revenue needed to sustain welfare programmes, while ensuring improved infrastructure and better public services.