CM Naidu Tells Farmers to Aim at Global Market for Horticulture Products
As part of this, the government is planning projects worth Rs 14,800 crore, including Rs 9,000 crore as subsidy support, to cover the entire chain from cultivation to marketing.
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has unveiled an ambitious horticulture push for Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts, leveraging Purvodaya funds to develop infrastructure, expand cultivation and link farmers to international markets.
Naidu announced on Tuesday that the government has set a target of spreding horticulture to 50 lakh acres, with a total investment plan of Rs 40,000 crore while focused projects worth Rs 14,800 crore would benefit nearly six lakh farmers.
He said, “We plan to develop the Rayalaseema region as a horticulture hub under Purvodaya scheme. Some 18 varieties of fruits having worldwide demand are being produced in Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts. The state government would encourage horticulture farmers in a big way.”
The CM was conducting a review meeting on development of horticulture in Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts. He directed the officials to prepare an action plan to improve the livelihood of horticulture farmers through developing 92 clusters.
An action plan was formulated to benefit 5.98 lakh horticulture farmers by developing horticulture and panchayat roads at a cost of Rs 40,000 crore, he said.
Naidu also discussed with officials how World Bank support can be aligned with Niti Aayog recommendations to prioritise horticulture, road connectivity, irrigation and R&B and Panchayat Raj road networks in these backward areas.
He called for end-to-end facilities, including transport, logistics, marketing and cold chains, and said the state should be able to move produce by air cargo to hubs like Dubai, from where fruits can reach other global markets.
As part of this, the government is planning projects worth Rs 14,800 crore, including Rs 9,000 crore as subsidy support, to cover the entire chain from cultivation to marketing.
Naidu said officials should provide certification and traceability for horticulture products. Out of 65 varieties of fruits being produced in the Rayalaseema region, worldwide demand exists for 18 varieties. Farmers, he said, should change cropping patterns and focus more on demand-driven crops.
He said priority should be given for micro irrigation in horticulture. Value addition would be provided through adopting natural farming. Officials must provide transport, marketing and cold storage facilities to benefit farmers of horticulture areas spread in 50 lakh acres.
Finance minister Payyavula Kesav said the groundwater levels increased in Rayalaseema region due to supply of water through the Handri-Neeva and other projects. With the supply of water, horticulture improved in Anantapur district and the land value has also increased.