Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh has instructed officials to work towards making the state the primary natural farming hub in India. With 18 lakh farmers already engaged in natural farming on 20 acres each, the emphasis is on reducing chemical fertilizer usage. Certification and traceability measures are being pushed to ensure the quality of natural farming products.
During a review meeting on agriculture and allied sectors, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of promoting natural farming among agriculture students. Training programs in collaboration with expert Subhash Palekar are set to be conducted statewide. Additionally, efforts are being made to enhance the market share of Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural products both nationally and internationally.
To boost exports, the Chief Minister is focusing on strengthening trade agreements with the United States and the European Union. Plans include the development of a Cocoa City in Eluru district for cocoa cultivation, processing, and marketing at global standards. Furthermore, there is a push for intercropping practices in mango, cocoa, cashew, and coconut plantations to diversify agricultural output.
Recognizing the need to improve banana exports, the Chief Minister is urging for a concentrated effort in this area. He also proposed allowing companies to engage in large-scale saffron cultivation in Lambasingi under the PPP model, involving local tribal communities. Mandatory registration of aquaculture activities and direct egg supply contracts to farmers for government institutions are among the directives issued to boost the poultry sector.
Aligning state policies with central government strategies is a key focus for the Chief Minister to ensure coherence in the agricultural sector’s development.
