AP CM Naidu seeks FinMin support for `41K cr horticulture push for R’seema

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday asked Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamanto to grant substantial Central support for a series of strategic development initiatives which included the Purvodaya programme, the SASCI scheme works, a transformative horticulture development package for Rayalaseema, and urgent assistance for the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link Project to address persistent drought conditions in several districts.

Significantly, he asked Sitharaman for major support for Purvodaya, SASCI (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) schemes and Rs41,000-crore horticulture push for Rayalaseema. Naidu submitted a comprehensive memorandum seeking a dedicated horticulture development package for Rayalaseema and informed the Union Minister that Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts collectively cultivate 18 globally demanded horticulture crops, and that 93 horticulture clusters spread across eight districts currently support nearly 33.7 lakh farmers directly and indirectly. He said the State plans to expand horticulture cultivation from 8.48 lakh hectares to 12.28 lakh hectares by 2029.

To support large-scale exports from the region, he stressed the need to strengthen water resources and build world-class logistics infrastructure, including roads, rail connectivity, ports and air-cargo facilities. The Chief Minister said that transforming Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub over the next three years would help increase farmers’ annual incomes from Rs2 lakh to Rs3.5 lakh. He urged the Centre to announce the Rayalaseema Horticulture Development Package in the 2026–27 Union Budget.

Naidu, who arrived in New Delhi to up the ante for additional funds in Andhra Pradesh, besides Sitharaman, met Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Patil.

Naidu emphasised that the Purvodaya initiative is crucial for realising the Viksit Bharat vision, as it supports the holistic development of eastern states and strengthens India’s national economic growth. Taking to X, he later said: "Delighted to meet the Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji, in New Delhi today. With the support of Central initiatives such as Purvodaya, Andhra Pradesh has the potential to emerge as a major growth engine for eastern India.

I also requested funding support through SASCI, support for our plans to develop Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub, and Central budgetary assistance to accelerate the long-term economic development of our State."

In meeting with Sonowal, he discussed Centre–State cooperation on the development of key shipbuilding projects and major fishing harbours in the State. After talks with Patil, he said "we had a productive discussion on various matters related to Andhra Pradesh’s water requirements and ongoing and proposed development works."