Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed the officials to initiate action to transform Andhra Pradesh into largest natural farming hub in the country. At present 1.8 million farmers have come forward to practice natural farming across 2 million acres in the State, he said.
Reviewing agriculture and allied sectors on Tuesday (February 03, 2026), Mr. Naidu stressed the importance of providing certification and traceability facilities to ensure the quality of natural farming products.
Recalling that Rayalaseema earlier faced severe water scarcity, he said that the issue had been addressed this year through efficient water management, with all reservoirs filled and no shortage of irrigation water. Officials informed the Chief Minister that trade agreements with the U.S. and EU have created more opportunities to increase exports of shrimp, dry chillies, mangoes, rice, and processed foods from the State.
The Chief Minister directed officials to develop a Cocoa City over 500 acres in Eluru district, encompassing cultivation, processing, and marketing at international standards. He pointed out the scope for intercropping in mango, cocoa, cashew, and coconut plantations and asked officials to encourage farmers in this direction.
He also directed that companies willing to take up large-scale saffron cultivation in Lambasingi under the PPP model, with participation of local tribal communities, be permitted.
The Chief Minister announced that registration of aquaculture activities would be made mandatory. To strengthen the poultry sector, he instructed that egg supply contracts for government schools and Anganwadi centres be given directly to farmers.
Just as a Flower Festival was organised in Kuppam, the Chief Minister suggested organising crop-festivals in various regions to promote awareness of different crops and boost tourism.
He noted that using fruit covers improved the quality and price of mangoes and suggested adopting the same method for guava and pomegranate orchards. He directed officials to set up processing units cluster-wise under food clusters and to engage with companies that have signed MoUs for food processing industries to ensure early establishment of units.
The Chief Minister directed that Rythu Bazaars be set up wherever market yards exist and that existing Rythu Bazaars be modernised. He gave approval for the construction of a flower market in Vijayawada.
Published – February 03, 2026 11:02 pm IST
