Naidu, Sitharaman, Pawan Kalyan to launch Rs 1 lakh-crore Global Horticulture Hub
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan will on Friday launch the Global Horticulture Hub in Madanapalle, a three-phase project with an estimated investment of about Rs 1 lakh crore aimed at expanding cultivation, boosting farm production and strengthening agricultural infrastructure in the Rayalaseema region.
According to a state government release, the project will involve Rs 40,352 crore in government investment, while efforts will be made to mobilise another Rs 60,000 crore from the private sector.
The initiative will cover 201 clusters across 303 mandals and 5,869 villages in 10 districts -- Anantapur, Annamayya, Chittoor, Kurnool, Nandyal, Sri Sathya Sai, Tirupati, Kadapa, Prakasam and Markapuram.
The government plans to expand the existing horticulture cultivation area from 8.41 lakh hectares to 14.41 lakh hectares, adding six lakh hectares.
Horticultural production is targeted to rise from the current 222 lakh metric tonnes to 435 lakh metric tonnes, with the project expected to directly benefit around 9.6 lakh farmers.
The plan also includes creation of an additional ayacut of nine lakh acres and stabilisation of irrigation facilities covering another 4.3 lakh acres.
Of the government's Rs 40,352 crore investment, Rs 20,884 crore will be earmarked for irrigation, Rs 15,000 crore for horticulture development and Rs 4,562 crore for roads.
Major irrigation projects, drip irrigation systems, roads and logistics infrastructure will form part of the integrated development plan.
The government has envisioned the Global Horticulture Hub as a means to establish Rayalaseema as the country's "fruit bowl", with emphasis on crops including mango, banana, tomato, pomegranate, dragon fruit, avocado and berries.
The project will also seek greater private investment in food-processing facilities and export infrastructure to add value to farm produce and improve returns for farmers.
The release said Naidu had been closely monitoring the project for nearly six months and held regular reviews with the Agriculture, Horticulture, Finance and Irrigation departments. Consultations with the Centre were also held to take the initiative forward.
The project is being developed under the government's Rayalaseema Rising initiative, with a broader focus on horticultural growth, rural infrastructure and new economic opportunities in the region.
The three leaders will also lay the foundation stone for the proposed Indian School of Agriculture (ISA) in Madanapalle.
Modelled on the Indian School of Business, the institution is proposed as a centre for agricultural technology, research and innovation. Reliance Industries Limited has come forward to collaborate with the state government in establishing and managing the institution, the release said.
The ISA will provide technology-based guidance to farmers and work on solutions to challenges in the agriculture sector, with focus areas including digital agriculture, precision farming, crop monitoring, smart irrigation, scientific research and market intelligence.
The institution is expected to serve as an agricultural innovation centre, helping farmers gain access to advanced knowledge, technological solutions and market-oriented practices aimed at improving productivity, sustainability and profitability in agriculture and allied sectors.
