Previous YSRCP government ignored both agriculture, irrigation sectors: Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Agriculture prioritizes irrigation, agriculture, and horticulture sectors in State Budget for development.

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Agriculture Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Sunday (March 2, 2025) alleged that the previous YSRCP government had ignored both irrigation and agriculture sectors although they were the backbone for the development of the State.

He said the Chandrababu Naidu government had taken corrective measures by prioritising both the sectors in the State Budget. Mr. Atchannaidu who presented the agriculture Budget with an outlay of 48,341 crore in Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly a couple of days ago told The Hindu that the government was adopting a multi-pronged approach to benefit horticulture farmers also.

According to him, the financial assistance of ₹20, 000 to each farmer under Annadatha Sukhibhava-PM Kisan Scheme would enable the farming community to meet their agriculture investments.

He said the government had allocated ₹9,400 crore for the implementation of the scheme which is part of super-six assurances. He said the government would promote drone utilisation and mechanisation in the agriculture sector to minimise expenditure and increase the yield.

“The previous YSRCP government had ignored horticulture, fisheries and other sectors too. It has caused untold misery to farmers and fishermen. On the contrary, the Chandrababu Naidu government had given special priority for agriculture and allied sectors,” Mr. Atchannaidu said.

According to him, the government’s proposed banana cluster in Anantapur, mango in Annamayya, Chittoor and Tirupati, will create a lot of economic activity in those districts. He said the government had also planned development of coconut clusters in Srikakulam and Godavari districts while giving the green signal for chilli clusters in Guntur and Prakasam districts.

“In accordance with the guidelines of the Central Government, Andhra Pradesh administration focussed on horticulture cluster development programmes. The farmers will benefit with the announcement of support price for crops, additional marketing facilities, assistance from agriculture scientists and bank loan facilities for the byproducts,” Mr. Atchannaidu said.