CM Naidu seeks FinMin support for ₹41,000-crore horticulture push for Rayalaseema

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 ₹41,000-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 ₹2 lakh to ₹3.5 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 C.R. 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 Hon’ble 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."

Naidu's wish list 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. He 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.

He explained that Purvodaya funds are essential for improving rural connectivity, modernising irrigation systems, developing infrastructure, expanding industrial corridors, establishing food-processing clusters, and enhancing healthcare and education facilities.

Stressing that these interventions would significantly expand economic opportunities in rural Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister requested the Centre to prioritise State-specific needs and simplify administrative norms to ensure smooth implementation of Purvodaya projects.

The Chief Minister also sought immediate support for the construction of the Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam, the reconstruction of the historic Havelock Bridge under Akhanda Godavari, the Gandikota Tourism Project, and the completion of three working women’s hostels in different districts.

Emphasising that Andhra Pradesh is currently experiencing severe financial constraints, he said the financial support from the Centre is critical for the development of roads, MSME parks, irrigation works, housing projects and healthcare infrastructure. He requested the Union Minister to allocate ₹10,054 crore under the SASCI scheme for the 2025–26 financial year.