CM seeks Rs 1,211 cr from Centre for agri schemes

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the national capital and sought release of Rs 1,211 crore funds pending under various central farm schemes and pitched for the establishment of a Makhana Development Board in the state.

During the meeting, Naidu pressed for immediate release of Rs 216 crore funds under the PM PRANAM scheme, Rs 200 crore central assistance for coconut cultivation development, Rs 695 crore pending under the Per Drop More Crop scheme, and Rs 100 crore as Centre’s share under the Price Deficiency Payment System for mango farmers for 2025-26 season, an official statement said.

The CM held detailed discussions with Chouhan on strengthening agriculture and allied sectors in the state.

Informing the Union minister about the state’s progress in reducing chemical fertiliser usage, Naidu said Andhra Pradesh has achieved a 2.28 per cent reduction during 2024-25 crop year (July-June). He said the state government is aggressively promoting organic and natural farming with 18 lakh farmers already giving consent to adopt organic farming practices across nearly 8 lakh hectares.

He also urged the Centre to extend PM PRANAM incentives for reduced chemical usage and sought release of Rs 216 crore for 2024-25.