INDIA —The Government of Andhra Pradesh has rolled out an ambitious ₹400 billion horticulture development plan to boost agricultural growth in Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts. The strategy aims to improve farmer incomes, expand market infrastructure, and strengthen the region’s position in global horticultural markets.
During a strategic review meeting, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. Chandrababu Naidu was briefed on a detailed roadmap designed to support farmers through the Purvodaya scheme, particularly focusing on crops with strong domestic and international demand. Officials were instructed to ensure optimal utilisation of funds under the scheme.
The Chief Minister reportedly advised that the government should place special emphasis on 18 high-value horticulture crops, selected from the 65 grown in the region, to maximize productivity and profitability for farmers. He directed departments to provide enabling infrastructure such as irrigation facilities, improved roads, and panchayat-level connectivity, forming a major part of the ₹400 billion investment.
He is said to have stressed that Rayalaseema must evolve into a major horticulture hub, underscoring the importance of global standards, certification processes, traceability systems, micro-irrigation, and organic farming. He suggested that farmers should be motivated to grow crops with strong market potential, pointing out that horticulture, similar to aquaculture, could emerge as one of the region’s most profitable sectors.
The government’s plan includes establishing large-scale facilities for production, logistics, cold chain infrastructure, transportation, and air-cargo support to streamline exports to markets such as Dubai. These initiatives are expected to significantly improve access to global value chains and reshape the economic profile of Rayalaseema.
Overall, the project aims to benefit nearly six lakh horticulture farmers across 92 clusters, improving livelihoods and strengthening the region’s agricultural economy.
