Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has emphasised the need for a significant transition towards agricultural food processing and value addition. This shift aims to enhance farm households into entrepreneurial units that yield higher productivity. Naidu made these remarks during an event held on August 24 in Musunuru, located in the Eluru district, where he detailed initiatives designed to improve local crop processing.

During the event, Naidu announced plans to elevate regional branding of indigenous products on a global scale. He outlined strategies to develop long-term water infrastructure essential for the growth of the agricultural sector in the state, alongside Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan and Governor S Abdul Nazeer.

As part of the launch event, Naidu introduced Gourmet Popcornica’s non-GMO hybrid maize seeds near Nuzividu. This area houses the largest popcorn processing plant in India. Currently, approximately 40,000 acres are cultivated by 17,500 local farmers, whose popcorn already caters to both domestic and international markets, significantly reducing dependency on imports from countries such as Brazil.

Promotion of Local Products and Horticulture

In an effort to bolster local agricultural products, the state government plans to establish dedicated retail stations at major railway hubs to feature indigenous items like Andhra Popcorn and Araku Coffee. Additionally, traditional products such as Kondaveeti wooden toys will be integrated into global supply chains to enhance their market presence.

A targeted action plan is currently being developed, combining both public and private investments amounting to ₹1 lakh crore. This ambitious initiative aims to transform the Rayalaseema region into a prominent horticulture hub focusing on crops like chilli, turmeric, maize, and aquaculture. This is part of a broader strategy to optimise agricultural productivity in the state.

The Veligonda project is set to commence by the end of the month, targeting regions including Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa, and Markapuram. This infrastructure improvement is expected to enhance irrigation facilities, thereby supporting agricultural growth in these areas.

Call for Nationwide River Interlinking

Naidu has also advocated for a nationwide river interlinking initiative. The proposed project aims to connect significant rivers including the Godavari, Krishna, Penna, Tungabhadra, Cauvery, Ganga, and Mahanadi. By ensuring coordinated water management, the initiative seeks to fortify irrigation security across multiple states in India.

In his address, Naidu highlighted the perspectives of both the central and state governments regarding agriculture as a catalyst for economic development. He posited that farmers should be regarded as entrepreneurs within this framework. The focus will be on adding value to various commercial produce, including turmeric, chilli, maize, and aquaculture.

The ongoing action plan for the Rayalaseema region is integral to this vision, supported by significant public and private investments amounting to ₹1 lakh crore. The presence of prominent ministers such as Nara Lokesh, K Atchannaidu, and Kolusu Parthasarathy at the event underscores the government’s commitment to these initiatives. Overall, the efforts signify a concerted push towards advancing agribusiness practices in Andhra Pradesh.

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