Andhra Pradesh: Prakasam Administration Plans To Turn Barren Lands Into Income Sources
Collector P. Rajababu on Wednesday directed officials of the agriculture and allied departments to identify such lands and promote suitable activities: Reports
NELLORE: The Prakasam district administration plans to explore ways to turn unused barren and fallow lands into additional sources of income for farmers and landowners, with a focus on increasing the district’s Gross Value Added (GVA).
Collector P. Rajababu on Wednesday directed officials of the agriculture and allied departments to identify such lands and promote suitable activities. At a meeting with officials at the Prakasam Bhavan, he reviewed the agricultural situation and the extent of land left uncultivated in the district.
The collector suggested growing fodder grass and fruit-bearing plants on barren lands to generate additional income and improve GVA. He asked officials to identify suitable parcels, hold discussions with landowners and encourage community farming initiatives.
With weather experts forecasting a strong El Nino influences this year, Rajababu stressed the need for innovative measures to safeguard the interests and incomes of farmers and livestock rearers. He also said increasing green cover on unused lands could help reduce heat in the local environment.
He directed officials to identify land for fodder and fruit plantations and take up the initiative as a pilot project before expanding it to other areas.
District agriculture officer Srinivasa Rao, Natural Farming district project manager Subhashini, APMIP project director Srinivasulu and district horticulture officer Gopichand attended the meeting.