Deputy Chief Minister and Forest and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan said on Wednesday that there is a need to formulate plans to protect the environment and at the same time increase the income of the farmers. He said that by cultivating different species of plants in orchards, we can increase the fertility of the soil and protect the environment. He held discussions with senior officials of the forest and horticulture departments on the 50 per cent green cover plans at the state secretariat in Velagapudi. 

The meeting was held as part of the steps taken to set up a task force on the Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh and 50 per cent green cover. On this occasion, Pawan Kalyan gave directions on the role of the Horticulture Department in increasing the green cover, environmental protection, biodiversity etc. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister mentioned that the  government has taken up the vision of achieving 50% Green Cover in the State by 2047 and for this, all the public sector departments will have to move forward in coordination with the forest department. 

The role of the horticulture department is crucial in the formation of green cover, he said and called for diversification of horticulture crops so that it is beneficial for both the farmer and the land. He also suggested that farmers should be encouraged to cultivate different species of plants as intercropping in the same crop. He further mentioned that awareness should be created to reduce the use of synthetic drugs so that biodiversity can be protected.