To transform Rayalaseema and Prakasam into a horticulture hub

■   Rayalaseema currently grows 65 varieties of horticulture crops

■   Government aims to expand cultivation across 50 lakh acres

■   Priority crops include banana, papaya, pomegranate, mango, onion, tomato, and chilli

■   ₹9,000 crore will be provided as subsidy to strengthen farmer capacity and market linkages

kiranmai tutika I hyderabad

The Andhra Pradesh government has prepared an expansive development blueprint to boost the horticulture sector across Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts, aiming to turn the region into a major Horticulture Hub. Leveraging funds available under the Purvodaya scheme, the state plans to implement projects worth ₹40,000 crore to strengthen agriculture, infrastructure, and value-chain facilities in the region.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who reviewed the horticulture development plan at the Secretariat on Tuesday, directed officials to make optimal use of the region’s potential. He noted that 18 horticulture crops grown in Rayalaseema already enjoy strong demand in global markets, and instructed departments to work towards improving farmer incomes and export readiness.

Under the plan, horticulture expansion will be undertaken across nine districts, covering key components such as road connectivity, water resources, and Panchayat Raj infrastructure, in line with NITI Aayog recommendations. The programme is expected to directly benefit 5.98 lakh horticulture farmers spread across 92 clusters.

The meeting also discussed upcoming development projects under World Bank assistance. The Chief Minister said the government would roll out initiatives worth ₹14,800 crore to support farmers across cultivation, post-harvest operations, and marketing. Of this, ₹9,000 crore will be provided as subsidy to strengthen farmer capacity and market linkages.

“Our goal is to make Rayalaseema a leading horticultural hub,” Naidu said. The region currently grows 65 varieties of horticulture crops, and the government aims to expand cultivation across 50 lakh acres. Priority crops include banana, papaya, pomegranate, mango, onion, tomato, and chilli.

The Chief Minister stressed adopting global standards through quality certification, traceability systems, micro-irrigation, and promotion of organic farming. Drawing parallels with the success of the aquaculture sector, he said horticulture too could be elevated to global leadership with the right interventions.

A key focus of the plan is enabling export opportunities. Naidu directed officials to develop cold chain networks, logistics systems, and transport facilities, including air cargo links from hubs like Dubai, to facilitate global distribution. Improved rural connectivity will further support farm-to-market access.