Andhra Pradesh to leverage ‘Purvodaya’ scheme for agricultural growth

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called on state officials to fully utilize the central government’s ‘Purvodaya’ scheme to strengthen agriculture and allied sectors in the state. The scheme, introduced in the 2024 Union Budget, is aimed at the all-round development of select eastern states, and Andhra Pradesh has now been included in its ambit.

The Purvodaya scheme is a strategic initiative designed to accelerate economic development in eastern India by enhancing infrastructure, promoting industrial growth, and strengthening human capital through skill development. Its primary objective is to transform the eastern region into an economic powerhouse by improving connectivity, boosting industrial output, and generating employment opportunities. The scheme emphasizes industrial corridors, integrated steel hubs, expressways, bridges, and skill development programs to equip the local workforce with skills needed for emerging industries.

During a review meeting at his camp office focusing on agriculture, aquaculture, and horticulture, Chief Minister Naidu stressed the importance of value addition across these sectors to increase incomes for farmers and entrepreneurs. He instructed officials to analyze both domestic and international market trends and encourage farmers to cultivate crops in high demand to ensure remunerative prices. The Chief Minister also highlighted the need to strengthen Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) by linking them with food processing companies. In addition, he emphasized that priority would be given to food processing units within Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) parks, which are planned for all 175 Assembly constituencies, to promote local processing and reduce post-harvest losses.

By aligning the state’s agricultural development plans with the objectives of the Purvodaya scheme, Andhra Pradesh aims to boost productivity, generate employment, and enhance income levels in rural areas, particularly in underdeveloped regions like North Andhra and Rayalaseema. The integration of the scheme into state initiatives is expected to revitalize the agrarian economy, strengthen infrastructure, encourage industrial linkages, and create sustainable growth opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs alike.