Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during a high-level review on agriculture and allied sectors, directed officials to undertake sweeping reforms aimed at modernizing the sector. Stressing the need for accurate data, Naidu instructed the use of satellite surveys for monitoring crop patterns and yields, citing success in East Godavari’s Bhallabhadrapuram. He emphasized the integration of satellite and field-level data, real-time guidance through Rythu Seva Kendras, and simultaneous updating of revenue and agricultural records. The CM also underscored the importance of water management, directing that irrigation water reach tail-end lands and announcing plans for virtual interactions with irrigation associations.
Highlighting technology’s role in transforming agriculture, Naidu proposed deploying an AI chatbot to assist farmers with crop planning and technical advice. He reviewed the progress of eKYC for 47.41 lakh farmers under the ‘Annadata Sukhibhava’ scheme and ordered beneficiary identification through the e-Crop platform. The CM also called for the promotion of natural farming, organic inputs, and certification to enable exports to markets like Japan and Taiwan. He encouraged integrated pest management, drone usage to reduce chemical pesticides, and collaboration with Tata for accelerating organic initiatives.
To boost market linkages and diversification, Naidu instructed officials to set up mobile farmer markets near apartment complexes and develop an action plan within 30 days. He promoted horticulture and micro-irrigation, particularly in Rayalaseema. In the fisheries sector, he stressed the use of mobile apps for marine resource data and quality-based subsidies. He also set a 15% growth target for animal husbandry and lauded the innovation of local startup ‘Coco Munj’ for its value-added coconut products. The meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu and senior officials.