Andhra Pradesh focuses on modern farming and rural industry development

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized that empowering farmers as entrepreneurs and strengthening the rural economy is a top priority for the state government. Addressing farmers at the “Rythu Anna Mee Kosam” program in Nallajerla on Wednesday, he offered several suggestions for enhancing agriculture and rural livelihoods.

The Chief Minister began by reviewing the regional agricultural action plan. He sought farmers’ feedback on major crops, intercrops, irrigation methods, and farming practices. He also highlighted the importance of long-term water management, encouraging scientific methods to recharge groundwater.

CM Chandrababu spoke directly with farmers who have shifted from paddy cultivation to oil palm farming. He commended those adopting modern farming techniques and suggested converting oil palm waste into fertilizers. He also promised to relocate electricity poles from oil palm plantations to other areas to optimize land use.

To reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, the Chief Minister advised farmers to use micro-nutrients, which can improve crop yields and help fetch premium market prices. He assured that irrigation projects like Polavaram and Tadipudi lift schemes would provide adequate water support to farmers.

For livestock farmers, he recommended allocating dedicated land for collective fodder cultivation and said funds would be provided under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) scheme. This, he explained, would prevent fodder shortages during lean periods.

Beyond agriculture, Chandrababu stressed the need to establish industries in rural areas. He encouraged setting up agro-processing units and small- and medium-scale industries at the village level. “The government is working towards having at least one entrepreneur in every household. Farmers should also venture into industries,” he said, advocating the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to support collective production, processing, storage, and marketing.

The Chief Minister noted that previous governments had neglected upland areas, focusing mainly on delta regions. He reassured that today, upland crops have strong market demand and urged farmers to select crops based on scientific assessment of regional suitability. He also criticized past administrative lapses that caused hardships for farmers and stated that the current coalition government is taking comprehensive steps to rectify these issues.

CM Chandrababu encouraged educated farmers to explore opportunities in services and business alongside agriculture. He highlighted that developing both agriculture and rural industries simultaneously would boost family incomes and strengthen the rural economy.

FPOs are collective entities that bring small and medium farmers together to jointly manage production, processing, storage, and marketing. Their main goal is to increase farmers’ bargaining power, secure better prices for crops, and develop agricultural activities in a business-oriented way.

Through FPOs, farmers gain easier access to fertilizers, seeds, and machinery. Selling crops in bulk helps secure better market rates. FPOs also facilitate access to bank loans, government subsidies, training, and technical support, improving agricultural skills. By supporting farmers and rural economic growth, FPOs play a critical role in increasing farm incomes and enhancing the overall value of agriculture.