Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to fast-track the completion of long-pending irrigation projects across Andhra Pradesh and restore key infrastructure neglected during the previous government’s tenure. He also called for a comprehensive action plan to transform Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram into one of the world’s largest horticulture clusters, linking irrigation revival with agricultural and economic growth.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at his camp office with ministers and senior officials, the Chief Minister discussed integrated development plans to convert 10 districts into major horticulture hubs. Stressing that irrigation is the backbone of agricultural transformation, Chandrababu Naidu said unfinished projects must be prioritised and completed in a time-bound manner.

Ministers Nimmala Ramanaidu and Payyavula Keshav informed the meeting that several irrigation projects had been stalled due to neglect. The Chief Minister instructed officials to take them up in priority order, giving preference to projects that require relatively low investment and can be completed quickly.

He directed that the Veligonda project be completed within the current year and asked officials to immediately prepare restoration plans for the Annamayya project, which suffered extensive damage. He also emphasised the need to expedite efforts to bring Krishna waters to Kadapa through the Galeru–Nagari system.

Officials said completion of over 20 irrigation projects would provide new irrigation to 8.87 lakh acres and stabilise water supply to another 4.30 lakh acres. Chandrababu Naidu also called for a parallel focus on North Andhra, stating that after completion of the Polavaram Left Canal, Godavari waters could be extended to the region, followed by Polavaram–Vamsadhara river interlinking.

Minister Atchannaidu said these projects would significantly boost horticulture in Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram. The Chief Minister set an ambitious target of achieving 500 million metric tonnes of horticulture output aligned with global market demand. Officials informed him that proposals have been prepared to develop 201 horticulture clusters across 303 mandals in 10 districts. Plans aim to expand horticulture cultivation from 8.41 lakh hectares to 14.41 lakh hectares within three years. Chandrababu Naidu said global logistics major DP World has shown interest in partnering with the State in developing these clusters.

The Chief Minister directed officials to build an international-standard ecosystem by strengthening rural roads, logistics, cold chains, warehousing, food processing units and market access, while converging funds from Purvodaya, Saski and State government sources. Priority projects include Veligonda, Handri–Neeva main canal works, Galeru–Nagari extension, of Annamayya Vedavathi–Alaganuru–Gajuladinne projects and development of 1,011 minor irrigation tanks across seven districts.