Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday urged the Union Government to extend its cooperation for the comprehensive development of agriculture and allied sectors in the State, with the objective of increasing farmers’ incomes and ensuring sustainable rural growth.
During his meeting with Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Chief Minister reiterated the State’s long-pending demand for establishment of a Central Agricultural University in Andhra Pradesh, as envisaged under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
Mr. Naidu informed the Union Minister that the State Government had already submitted a DPR to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, with an estimated cost of ₹2,585 crore. He also sought approvals for the setting up a Coconut Park, a modern Aqua Laboratory, and a Mango Board to strengthen agricultural value chains and generate employment opportunities in the rural areas.
Explaining the State’s policy framework, Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh had achieved a growth rate of 10.70% in agriculture and allied sectors by implementing a five-point strategy, focusing on water security, demand-driven crop planning, adoption of agri-technology, promotion of food processing, and strong institutional support.
