Golden Harvest: Saffron Cultivation Soon in Lambasingi

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a key review of agriculture and allied departments, unveiling plans to expand organic farming and boost farmer incomes. The government aims to replace chemical fertilizers entirely and provide healthier food to citizens. Currently, 18 lakh farmers practice organic farming on 20 lakh acres, with a target to reach 40 lakh farmers across 50 lakh acres by 2030-31. Training sessions under organic farming pioneer Subhash Palekar will support this expansion, alongside global traceability and certification for organic produce by April.

Major Projects:

• Coco City, Eluru: A 500-acre hub for cocoa cultivation, processing and marketing, meeting international standards.

• Saffron Cultivation, Lambasingi: Tribal-inclusive saffron farming under a public-private partnership, along with intercropping in mango, cashew, and coconut orchards to increase farmer income.

Technology Initiatives:

• DG Rythu Bazar App: Direct online purchase of vegetables for consumers.

• AP AIMS App: Booking of tractors, harvesters, and power tillers for farmers.

• Kisan Drone App: Provides access to 9,512 drones for agricultural services across the state.

Other Key Decisions:

• Mandatory registration for aquaculture farmers.

• Direct egg supply to schools and anganwadis, bypassing middlemen.

• ‘Agri Festivals’ to showcase crops and boost tourism.

• Focus on increasing exports of bananas, prawns, dried chillies, and mangoes to the US and Europe with strict quality standards.

Agriculture Minister K. Achennaidu and other senior officials attended the review, highlighting AP’s transition to fully digital and organic agriculture in the coming years.