Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu
| Photo Credit: File photo
The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a large-scale programme to promote green manure cultivation during the Kharif 2026 season, earmarking ₹62.20 crore in subsidies to encourage sustainable farming practices and improve soil fertility across the State.Announcing the initiative, Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said the coalition government was focusing on scientific and eco-friendly farming methods to enhance soil health, improve farm productivity and increase farmers’ incomes.As part of the programme, the government has sanctioned the distribution of 91,918 quintals of green manure crop seeds. The allocation includes 50,311 quintals of sunn hemp (Jilledu), 21,291 quintals of Dhaincha (Janumu) and 20,316 quintals of green gram varieties suitable for green manure cultivation.According to official figures, 40,459 quintals of seeds have already been supplied to districts, while 5,687 quintals have been distributed to 19,667 farmers. Subsidy benefits worth ₹4.76 crore have so far been extended under the scheme.Mr. Atchannaidu said green manure crops play an important role in restoring soil fertility and sustaining agricultural productivity. When incorporated into the soil before flowering, these crops increase organic carbon content and improve nitrogen availability, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. This, in turn, lowers cultivation costs, improves yields and helps maintain long-term soil health.The Minister noted that interest in natural and organic farming practices has been growing steadily among farmers. To support this shift, the government is promoting green manure cultivation through subsidies, awareness campaigns and extension services. Agriculture Department officials have been conducting outreach programmes at the village level to educate farmers about the benefits of green manure crops and their contribution to sustainable agriculture.Districts such as Krishna, Guntur, Annamayya, YSR Kadapa, Eluru, Bapatla, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam have recorded encouraging participation from farmers under the programme.To expand coverage, officials have been directed to speed up seed distribution and increase supplies based on local demand. Mr. Atchannaidu said the government’s objective was to make agriculture more profitable and sustainable through quality inputs, subsidy support, modern technology, efficient water management and soil conservation measures.“Healthy soil is the foundation of prosperous farming. When farmers prosper, the State progresses,” the Minister said, reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture through long-term soil health management initiatives. Published - June 02, 2026 08:20 pm IST
