CM Naidu sets target to make AP country’s largest natural farming state

Vijayawada: Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday set a five-year target to position Andhra Pradesh as the country's largest natural farming state. Directing officials to bring 50 lakh acres under chemical-free cultivation by 2030-31, the CM asked them to prepare plans for large-scale saffron cultivation in Lambasingi under PPP model, with the participation of local tribal communities. He also proposed the establishment of a 500-acre Cocoa City in Eluru district, covering cultivation, processing, and export to global markets.Reviewing agriculture and allied sectors, Naidu said 18 lakh farmers have already adopted natural farming across 20 lakh acres and called for scaling this up to 40 lakh farmers through focused implementation and incentives. With concerns over a possible El Nino impact, he asked the departments concerned to prepare alternative crop plans for drought-prone regions instead of traditional crops. He also suggested deploying AI-based crop advisory platforms, including Bharat Vistaar, to provide real-time guidance to farmers.Noting that emerging trade agreements with the US and EU offer scope to expand exports of shrimp, dry chilli, mango, rice, and processed food, he stressed on the need for strict adherence to quality standards. The chief minister further suggested encouraging intercropping in mango, cocoa, cashew, and coconut plantations to improve farm incomes. Noting that Andhra Pradesh ranks second nationally in banana production but lags in exports, he asked officials to focus on export promotion."Registration of aquaculture operations will be made mandatory, while contracts for egg supply to govt schools and anganwadis should be awarded directly to farmers to strengthen the poultry sector," he directed, while stressing on aligning state initiatives with central agriculture policies. To improve market access, Naidu suggested organising crop-based festivals across regions, similar to the flower festival in Kuppam, and called for steps to reduce logistics costs, including exploring special railway wagons for agricultural transport. Satellite-based yield estimates should guide marketing strategies, he added.The chief minister directed the establishment of Rythu Bazaars wherever market yards exist and approved a PPP-mode flower market in Vijayawada. He also launched the Digi Rythu Bazaar app for online vegetable purchases, along with APAIMS and Kisan Drone apps to enable farmers to book farm machinery. Officials said 9,512 machines were made available under the initiative. Agriculture minister K Atchannaidu and senior officials were present at the review meeting.