newsdrum_in22d ago
Amaravati, May 26 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to implement a farm-to-home model to ensure agricultural produce reaches consumers directly at their doorstep, thereby cutting out middlemen and reducing costs. He also announced plans to establish a Cocoa City near Yadavolu in East Godavari district. The CM reviewed agriculture, allied sectors and six primary sector missions, and instructed officials to assess the possible impact of El Nino on the state and prepare region-wise crop planning, while promoting natural farming and suitable cultivation practices in water-scarce regions. "Implement the farm-to-home model through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to reduce marketing costs and improve direct access between farmers and consumers," Naidu said in a press release. According to the CM, the initiative—especially for fruits and vegetables—would improve affordability and accessibility through efficient home delivery systems. Despite adverse climatic conditions that may arise from El Nino, Naidu directed officials to ensure farmers do not suffer losses and receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce. He asked officials to seek greater support from the Centre to strengthen natural farming initiatives and leverage the experience of farmers who have successfully adopted such practices. He told officials to write to the Centre seeking support under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) scheme, and to establish exclusive counters for naturally grown produce in Rythu Bazaars and private markets. The CM emphasised prioritising irrigation for crops in regions including the Krishna and Godavari deltas, while directing officials to assess the reduction in pesticide usage and encouraging the use of micronutrients over chemical fertilisers. Observing that geopolitical tensions could affect fertiliser availability, Naidu stressed promoting natural farming and directed agricultural universities to prepare field-level action plans involving professors and students. He suggested the implementation of cluster-based agricultural mechanisation, making harvesters, seeders and other equipment available through Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (farmers' empowerment organisation), alongside integrating farm services through a farmer app and increasing the use of drones. The CM outlined plans to transform Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub under the Rs 40,000 crore Purvodaya programme, supported by irrigation, connectivity, warehousing and infrastructure projects, along with Rs 60,000 crore in private investments. He tasked officials to examine a proposal for establishing a Cocoa City near Yadavolu in Devarapalli mandal, and announced that the foundation stone for the Indian School of Agriculture at Madanapalle would be laid in July. Naidu advised officials to ensure affordable cattle feed and silage, prevent poultry mortality during extreme heat, and establish cold storage facilities for banana farmers in Rayalaseema. Additionally, he directed the immediate completion and operationalisation of the Central Food Testing Laboratory in Pulivendula and sanctioned Rs 3 crore for the project. The CM instructed the extension of the electricity subsidy for aqua farmers to 12,680 newly registered connections, in addition to the existing 50,000 beneficiaries, noting that the state would bear an additional Rs 188 crore in expenditure. He stressed bringing all four lakh acres under aquaculture into aqua zone coverage, improving traceability and quality certification, and enhancing fishermen's incomes through fish cultivation. Naidu approved steps to provide 200 mechanised boats to fishermen at an estimated cost of Rs 240 crore, and directed the modernisation of Rythu Bazaars along with their faster establishment across all 90 Assembly constituencies. He urged officials to expand public outreach for the Digi Rythu Bazaar app. PTI MS SSK
