CM Naidu Releases ₹3,125 Crore Aid, Prioritizing Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu distributed ₹3,125.47 crore to 46.86 lakh farmers in Andhra Pradesh under the PM-Kisan–Annadata Sukhibhava scheme. The initiative focuses on promoting natural farming, improving soil health, and ensuring agricultural produce meets international export quality standards for better market access.
Highlights
- •CM N. Chandrababu Naidu released ₹3,125.47 crore under the PM-Kisan–Annadata Sukhibhava scheme for 46.86 lakh farmer families.
- •The administration is aggressively promoting natural farming to combat soil degradation and improve long-term agricultural sustainability.
- •Farmers were warned to adhere to scientific guidelines for fertilizer use to avoid export rejections in international markets.
- •Two waste-to-energy plants were launched in Kadapa and Kurnool as part of the Swachh Andhra–Swarna Andhra initiative.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has emphasized the critical need for natural farming and sustainable agricultural practices during the launch of the PM-Kisan–Annadata Sukhibhava financial aid distribution. This initiative, which saw the release of ₹3,125.47 crore, aims to support approximately 46.86 lakh farmer families across Andhra Pradesh. The event, held at Linganguntla village, served as a platform to highlight long-term strategies for regional agricultural prosperity.
During his address, the Chief Minister warned against the excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, noting that these inputs significantly degrade soil fertility and pose risks to public health. He encouraged the state’s agricultural community to shift toward natural farming, a sector where Andhra Pradesh is already recognized as a national leader with nearly 20 lakh acres under such cultivation. This transition is viewed as essential for preserving the long-term viability of the state's agricultural landscape.
Addressing International Quality Standards
The importance of maintaining high produce standards was a central theme of the Chief Minister’s message. He cited recent difficulties in international trade, noting that China had returned shipments of chilli from Guntur due to concerns regarding pesticide residue. N. Chandrababu Naidu cautioned that global markets are increasingly stringent, requiring farmers to adhere strictly to scientific guidelines when utilizing fertilizers to ensure their products remain export-ready.
The financial assistance provided includes a contribution of ₹7,000 to each eligible household, combining ₹5,000 from the state with ₹2,000 from the central government's PM-Kisan scheme. The administration remains dedicated to its broader promise of providing ₹20,000 in annual support to farmer families. Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu reinforced this commitment, noting that the previous year’s distribution reached nearly ₹9,000 crore, significantly benefiting farmers, including those covered under the Forest Rights Act.
Future Irrigation and Waste Management
Government officials outlined several infrastructure priorities to bolster rural livelihoods. The Polavaram project is slated for completion by April 2027, marking a major milestone in the state’s irrigation efforts. Additionally, the administration is focusing on modernizing farm techniques through the promotion of drip irrigation, farm mechanization, and the integration of drone technology in agriculture.
Beyond farming, the Swachh Andhra–Swarna Andhra program was highlighted through the launch of two waste-to-energy plants in Kadapa and Kurnool. With a combined capacity of 15 MW and an investment of ₹330 crore, these facilities are part of a larger plan to establish eight such plants across the state. This dual focus on supporting natural farming and improving waste management infrastructure reflects the government's current strategy for sustainable development.
