Naidu releases Rs 3,125 crore under Annadata Sukhibhava

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday released Rs 3,125 crore as the first installment of financial assistance under the PM-Kisan–Annadata Sukhibhava Scheme for the 2026 Kharif season, benefiting 46.85 lakh farmers across the State.

At a programme held in Linganguntla village of Chilakaluripet constituency, the Chief Minister pressed a button to transfer the amount directly into the bank accounts of eligible farmers. Under the first installment, each beneficiary received Rs 7,000 to support agricultural activities ahead of the Kharif cultivation season.

Addressing a gathering of farmers, Naidu said the State government remains committed to strengthening the agriculture sector and improving the livelihoods of farming families. He noted that timely financial assistance would help farmers meet cultivation expenses and prepare for the upcoming cropping season.

Prior to the event, the Chief Minister visited exhibition stalls set up by the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments. He interacted with farmers, women self-help group members and entrepreneurs who showcased various agriculture-based innovations, including food processing units, vermicompost production, oilseed processing machinery and sustainable farming practices.

Naidu also joined farmers in watching Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address delivered under the PM-Kisan programme and highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Centre and the State in supporting the farming community.

As part of the Swachh Andhra–Swarna Andhra initiative, the Chief Minister virtually laid the foundation stones for Waste-to-Energy plants in Kadapa and Kurnool districts. Officials said the projects are expected to be commissioned by December 2026 and will contribute to scientific waste management while generating renewable energy.

Earlier in the day, Naidu visited an Anganwadi Centre in Linganguntla village and interacted with children. He sat with them and shared ragi malt prepared at the centre. The Chief Minister also reviewed nutrition services being provided to children, pregnant women and lactating mothers and inspected facilities and stock registers.

The visit also marked the launch of a statewide initiative to make Anganwadi centres pollution-free under the government’s Net Zero policy. Naidu inaugurated the distribution of induction stoves and stainless-steel utensils to 44,346 Anganwadi centres across Andhra Pradesh at a cost of Rs 32 crore. He personally handed over the equipment to the Linganguntla centre.

Promoting environmental sustainability, the Chief Minister planted a sapling on the Anganwadi premises and later interacted with natural farming practitioners, discussing cultivation methods, crop patterns and the benefits of sustainable agricultural practices.