AP CM Unveils Plan To Complete 20 Irrigation Projects Across 10 Districts
27 Jan 2026 3:34 PM IST27 Jan 2026 3:34 PM IST
Chandrababu Naidu directs officials to finish over 20 irrigation projects across 10 districts and targets 500 million metric tonnes of horticulture output in Rayalaseema and Prakasam regions.
Chandrababu Naidu holds a review meeting with officials on irrigation projects.
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to align horticulture production with global market demand and accordingly prepare development plans.
Setting an ambitious targeted output of 500 million metric tonnes of horticultural produce a year, the CM asked officials to draw up an action plan for Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram regions.
The Chief Minister reviewed integrated development plans to position 10 districts as hubs of horticulture growth, at a high-level meeting held at his camp office, attended by ministers and senior officials. He stressed the need for coordinated utilisation of funds from Purvodaya, SASKI and the state government to accelerate development works.
During the review, Naidu made it clear that the pending irrigation projects in Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram must be completed on the fast track mode.
Ministers Nimmala and Payyavula Keshav informed the meeting that the previous government had neglected the irrigation sector, leaving several key projects incomplete. The CM asked officials to prioritise projects across the 10 districts and first take up those that can be completed quickly with relatively modest funding.
Naidu said the Veligonda project must be completed within this year. He called for fresh plans to rebuild the Annamayya project, which was damaged due to neglect. Emphasizing water security for drought-prone regions, the CM asked officials to focus on the Galeru–Nagari project to carry Krishna waters up to Kadapa.
Officials informed him that more than 20 irrigation projects could be developed as part of this effort, enabling irrigation for 8.87 lakh acres of new ayacut and stabilisation of 4.30 lakh acres.
The Chief Minister said irrigation projects must be taken up in North Andhra districts. He noted that once the Polavaram Left Canal works are completed, Godavari waters can be diverted to North Andhra, paving the way for the Polavaram–Vamsadhara river interlinking project.
Agriculture minister K Atchannaidu said completion of these projects would lead to a massive expansion of horticulture cultivation in Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram. He informed the CM that proposals have been drafted to develop 201 horticulture clusters across 303 mandals in 10 districts, and to expand the horticulture area from 8.41 lakh hectares to 14.41 lakh hectares within three years.
Stating that Rayalaseema already ranked among the top regions for horticulture production, Naidu envisioned developing Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram as the world’s largest horticulture cluster. He revealed that Dubai-based DP World has come forward to establish a horticulture cluster in Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister underlined the need to develop a strong horticulture ecosystem by studying international best practices. He stressed focused investment in rural road networks, logistics, market access, global connectivity and the mobilisation of private investment alongside Purvodaya funds.
He directed officials to plan food processing units, port connectivity, warehouses and cold-chain infrastructure.
Chief secretary K. Vijayanand and senior officials from finance, irrigation, agriculture, horticulture, ports and R&B departments attended the meeting.
The Chief Minister reviewed integrated development plans to position 10 districts as hubs of horticulture growth, at a high-level meeting held at his camp office, attended by ministers and senior officials. He stressed the need for coordinated utilisation of funds from Purvodaya, SASKI and the state government to accelerate development works.
During the review, Naidu made it clear that the pending irrigation projects in Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram must be completed on the fast track mode.
Ministers Nimmala and Payyavula Keshav informed the meeting that the previous government had neglected the irrigation sector, leaving several key projects incomplete. The CM asked officials to prioritise projects across the 10 districts and first take up those that can be completed quickly with relatively modest funding.
Naidu said the Veligonda project must be completed within this year. He called for fresh plans to rebuild the Annamayya project, which was damaged due to neglect. Emphasizing water security for drought-prone regions, the CM asked officials to focus on the Galeru–Nagari project to carry Krishna waters up to Kadapa.
Officials informed him that more than 20 irrigation projects could be developed as part of this effort, enabling irrigation for 8.87 lakh acres of new ayacut and stabilisation of 4.30 lakh acres.
The Chief Minister said irrigation projects must be taken up in North Andhra districts. He noted that once the Polavaram Left Canal works are completed, Godavari waters can be diverted to North Andhra, paving the way for the Polavaram–Vamsadhara river interlinking project.
Agriculture minister K Atchannaidu said completion of these projects would lead to a massive expansion of horticulture cultivation in Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram. He informed the CM that proposals have been drafted to develop 201 horticulture clusters across 303 mandals in 10 districts, and to expand the horticulture area from 8.41 lakh hectares to 14.41 lakh hectares within three years.
Stating that Rayalaseema already ranked among the top regions for horticulture production, Naidu envisioned developing Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram as the world’s largest horticulture cluster. He revealed that Dubai-based DP World has come forward to establish a horticulture cluster in Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister underlined the need to develop a strong horticulture ecosystem by studying international best practices. He stressed focused investment in rural road networks, logistics, market access, global connectivity and the mobilisation of private investment alongside Purvodaya funds.
He directed officials to plan food processing units, port connectivity, warehouses and cold-chain infrastructure.
Chief secretary K. Vijayanand and senior officials from finance, irrigation, agriculture, horticulture, ports and R&B departments attended the meeting.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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