CM N. Chandrababu Naidu Focuses on Farm Security and Income Growth

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has outlined a comprehensive plan to make agriculture more profitable and ensure stable incomes for farmers. At a review meeting in Amaravati , he directed officials to focus on improved planning, crop diversification and modern practices to enhance returns.

The Chief Minister set a target to expand horticulture cultivation to 50 lakh acres and proposed developing Rayalaseema into a global horticulture hub through cluster-based initiatives. As part of this vision, a 250-acre “Cocoa City” will be established as a knowledge and experience centre for farmers, with directions to expedite land identification and execution.

Emphasising market-oriented farming, he called for promoting high-demand crops and multi-cropping to ensure year-round income. Certification for natural farming produce will be introduced to help farmers secure premium prices. The government aims to expand natural farming across all 13,300 gram panchayats by 2026–27 , covering 25 lakh farmers, while also noting the decline in urea usage.

To encourage crop diversification, Naidu suggested exploring saffron cultivation in Araku and expanding pilot apple farming in Anantapur . Farmers will also be encouraged to grow avocado, fig, guava, jackfruit and pepper, along with promoting value-added products such as dried fruits. Under the “AP Mushroom Mission 2026–31 ”, the state targets annual production of one lakh metric tonnes of mushrooms.

Amid concerns over reduced rainfall in parts of Rayalaseema and Prakasam district , the Chief Minister directed the implementation of pre-monsoon dry sowing across 20 lakh acres , noting that early sowing could generate an additional ₹5,000–₹7,000 per acre. He also stressed strengthening direct-to-home delivery from Rythu Bazaars, wider use of the Farmer App with over eight lakh users, real-time monitoring through the RSK Intelligence Hub, and promoting dairy and livestock activities to support farmer incomes.