A.P. CM sets 50 million MT horticulture output target for Rayalaseema, Prakasam

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked the officials to fast-track the completion of pending irrigation projects and roll out integrated development plans to transform Rayalaseema and Prakasam regions into major horticulture hubs.

“The State should aim to achieve 500 million metric tonnes of horticultural produce from Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram districts in line with global market demand,” he said while reviewing the integrated development proposals at his camp office on Tuesday.

Mr. Naidu instructed the officials to adopt coordinated planning using funds from the Purvodaya programme, SASCY initiatives and State government resources to ensure holistic growth.

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu and Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav informed the Chief Minister that several irrigation projects had stalled for years.

Mr. Naidu ordered that projects requiring minimal funds for early completion be undertaken on a priority basis. He made it clear that the Veligonda project must be completed within this year. The officials were also told to prepare plans to rebuild the damaged Annamayya project.

The officials said more than 20 irrigation projects in 10 districts had been proposed, envisaging bringing 8.87 lakh acres under irrigation and stabilising water supply to another 4.30 lakh acres.

Mr Naidu asked the officials to focus on bringing Krishna waters to Kadapa through the Galeru–Nagari project and to plan river interlinking in the North Andhra region after the completion of the Polavaram Left Canal.

Highlighting horticulture growth, Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu said proposals have been prepared to develop 201 clusters in 303 mandals, expanding the area of horticulture from 8.41 lakh hectares to 14.41 lakh hectares in three years.

The Chief Minister said Rayalaseema should be developed as the world’s largest horticulture cluster, adding that Dubai-based DP World has expressed interest in setting up a horticulture cluster in Andhra Pradesh.

He stressed the need to strengthen rural road networks, logistics, cold chains, food processing units, warehousing, port connectivity and global market linkages, while attracting private investment alongside government funding.

Senior officials from finance, irrigation, agriculture, horticulture, ports and R&B departments attended the review meeting.