Cocoa City, Agri School among AP’s new initiatives

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to implement a “Farm-to-Home” policy to ensure agricultural produce reaches consumers directly from farmers. Reviewing agriculture and allied sectors in Amaravati, he said Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) should supply vegetables and fruits directly to households, reducing marketing costs and improving farmer incomes.

The Chief Minister stressed region-wise crop planning in view of possible El Niño impacts and called for promotion of natural farming and water-efficient cultivation in drought-prone areas. He directed officials to ensure farmers receive Minimum Support Price despite adverse weather conditions and seek greater Central support for natural farming. Chandrababu also called for soil testing, online soil health reports, increased farm mechanisation, greater use of drones, and integration of agriculture services through a Farmer App. He said special counters for natural farming produce should be set up in Rythu Bazars and private markets.

He announced plans to develop Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub with irrigation projects, roads, warehouses and private investments worth Rs 60,000 crore under the Purvodaya scheme. He also proposed a “Cocoa City” at Yadavolu near Devarapalli and said the foundation stone for the Indian School of Agriculture at Madanapalle would be laid in July.

The Chief Minister ordered release of Rs 3 crore to complete the food testing laboratory at Pulivendula and extended electricity subsidy benefits to 12,680 new aqua connections. He also approved 200 mechanised boats for fishermen at a cost of Rs 240 crore and directed officials to modernise Rythu Bazars across Andhra Pradesh.