Plan to develop several AP dists as global horticulture hub: CM Naidu
Says plan should be prepared for producing 500 MMT of horticultural produce in 10 districts in Rayalaseema and Prakasam
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu addressing the meeting with Ministers and senior officials on integrated development plans on Tuesday
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to promote horticulture production as per global market demand.
The State Government is contemplating a plan to mobilise around Rs41,000 crore in next three years to develop Rayalaseema a global horticulture hub envisaging spending Rs14,800 crore on infrastructure (half of it subsidy component) with focal on cold chains, logistics and transportation assurance for 18 high demand crops.
At a review meeting here. Naidu said that an action plan should be prepared for producing 500 million metric tonnes of horticultural produce in the Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram districts. The Chief Minister held the meeting with Ministers and senior officials on integrated development plans to develop 10 districts as horticulture sector hubs.
He made it clear that irrigation projects in Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram must be completed on a fast-track. He directed that projects should be taken up on a priority basis. Naidu said that the Veligonda Project be completed this year. He also asked officials to prepare plans for the reconstruction of the Annamayya Project.
The Chief Minister stressed the need to focus on bringing Krishna waters up to Kadapa through the Galeru–Nagari Project. He also instructed that steps be taken to develop projects not only in Rayalaseema but also in North Andhra districts.
He said that once the Polavaram Left Canal works are completed, Godavari waters can be taken up to North Andhra, enabling the Polavaram–Vamsadhara river interlinking project. Meanwhile, he directed officials to prepare plans to take up projects in North Andhra on a priority basis.
The Chief Minister noted that the Rayalaseema region already holds a leading position in the country in horticulture production and directed that Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram districts be developed as the world’s largest horticulture cluster. He revealed that DP World of Dubai has come forward to establish a horticulture cluster in Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu emphasised on mobilising private investments in horticulture in addition to funds from Purvodaya. He directed officials to prepare logistics plans covering food processing units, port connectivity, warehouses, cold chains and related infrastructure.
