Second installment of ‘Annadata Sukhibhava’ funds released in Andhra Pradesh

In a move to support farmers and boost the agricultural sector, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu released the second installment of the “Annadata Sukhibhava” scheme under the Panchasootra framework. The program aims to provide direct financial support to farmers and promote sustainable agricultural development.

The second installment saw Rs. 3,135 crore credited to the accounts of 46,85,838 farmers, each receiving Rs. 7,000. The Chief Minister personally interacted with farmers at Rachabanda in Kamalapuram constituency, Kadapa district, highlighting the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare.

Speaking to the public, CM Chandrababu emphasized the importance of adopting modern farming practices to suit changing conditions. “By using technology in agriculture, investment costs can be reduced. We are a government that prioritizes farmers. Earlier, the first installment of Rs. 3,175 crore was released in August. Together, both installments total Rs. 6,310 crore given directly to farmers. Despite financial challenges, fulfilling our promises demonstrates the government’s dedication to farmer welfare,” he said.

The Chief Minister outlined his vision for improving agriculture across the state. “Development happens where water is abundant. I have seen the struggles of people in Rayalaseema firsthand. Our goal is to make Andhra Pradesh drought-free and ensure irrigation reaches every acre. By increasing groundwater levels through measures like micro-irrigation using Israeli technology in my constituency, we are not only supporting farmers but also protecting the environment. We have redirected floodwaters to reservoirs and ensured 95% of the state’s water bodies are full,” he said.

CM Chandrababu stressed the need to adapt to global demand for organic produce. “Farmers must shift toward natural farming and grow crops with market demand. Currently, 12 lakh acres in Andhra Pradesh are under natural farming, with plans to expand to 18 lakh acres. Organic, chemical-free crops are increasingly sought after, both nationally and internationally,” he said, cautioning against overuse of fertilizers and pesticides.

Modern agricultural techniques, including agri-tech, are central to the government’s approach. “We introduce farmers to the latest methods and provide guidance on high-demand crops. Technology reduces costs and increases yields. Tools like drones, satellite imagery, soil testing, and weather tracking are being used to help farmers maximize income. Subsidies for drip irrigation have also been increased to 100% for SC/ST farmers in Rayalaseema, 90% in Prakasam, and 70% in coastal districts,” CM Chandrababu explained.

The government has signed MoUs worth Rs. 13,000 crore to set up 38 food processing units. MSMEs are being promoted across constituencies to ensure that farmers get better value for their produce. Andhra Pradesh is emerging as a hub for horticulture in Rayalaseema and aquaculture in coastal areas, with growing global demand for local products like coffee, cocoa, and coconuts.

The CM highlighted the state’s proactive approach during natural calamities. “We provide compensation and market support to affected farmers promptly. Since the coalition government took office, Rs. 310 crore has been paid for disaster relief. Paddy worth Rs. 15,955 crore has been procured from farmers with payments made within 24 hours. Compensation of Rs. 390 crore for losses due to the recent Montha cyclone will be released soon,” he said.

CM Chandrababu emphasized that the government has delivered on all promises made during the 2024 elections, including welfare schemes for women, free buses, health initiatives, and employment generation. “Through 613 MoUs signed at the Visakhapatnam partnership summit, investments worth Rs. 13.25 lakh crore are expected, creating 16 lakh jobs. Rayalaseema is being developed as an industrial hub with the support of the central government,” he added.

Farmers can check the status of their Annadata Sukhibhava funds online at https://annadathasukhibhava.ap.gov.in . By entering their Aadhaar number and captcha code, they can verify whether the funds have been credited, along with details of the bank account and installment history.

The Annadata Sukhibhava scheme is aligned with the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. So far, two installments of Rs. 7,000 each have been disbursed, with the third installment of Rs. 6,000 expected to reach farmers’ accounts by January or February 2026. The central government releases PM-Kisan funds every four months, and the state ensures its contribution is credited simultaneously.