AP Prepares for Early Irrigation

Vijayawada:Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed the agriculture department to expedite seed distribution across Andhra Pradesh in view of the government’s decision to provide irrigation water to farmers from May 15.

Chairing a review meeting at the secretariat on procurement and marketing conditions of agricultural and horticultural crops such as paddy, banana, tobacco and oil palm, the CM asked officials to allocate `200 crore for seed supply to ensure timely availability to farmers ahead of the Kharif season.

Agriculture minister K. Atchannaidu and senior officials of the agriculture and horticulture departments were present.

Naidu stressed that farmers must receive remunerative prices in line with market demand and said crop traceability and certification systems could significantly enhance the value of agricultural produce in domestic and international markets. Officials must focus on quality production that would improve profitability for farmers.

He encouraged wider adoption of natural farming practices and diversification of crops, stating that such measures would benefit farmers in the long run. Officials must ensure adequate supply of compost manure to promote organic cultivation.

Officials informed the CM that maize production is expected to touch 42.06 lakh metric tonnes this year. Naidu asked them to study the potential for ethanol production using maize and other crops. He also said processing units should actively procure mango from farmers.

Officials said farmers cultivating banana, oil palm, chilli and cocoa were receiving favourable market prices and faced no major pricing issue.

The CM asked the relevant authorities to release fish seed into water bodies across the state ahead of the season. Officials informed the meeting that 7.5 lakh metric tonnes of urea would be available for the upcoming crop season.

Atchannaidu said NAFED is procuring black gram and other commercial crops from farmers. Naidu advised officials to take up with the Centre the need for providing incentives to farmers under the PMDS scheme aimed at reducing urea consumption.

In another significant announcement, the CM said an Indian School of Agriculture would be established in Madanapalle to strengthen agricultural education and innovation in the state.