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AP Targets World's Largest Horticulture Hub with 10-District Cluster Plan

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to create an action plan for developing ten districts into a world-class horticulture cluster. The plan focuses on the Rayalaseema region, along with Prakasam and Markapuram districts, aiming to produce 500 million metric tonnes of horticultural produce aligned with global demand. The initiative has attracted interest from DP World of Dubai to establish a cluster and emphasizes mobilizing private investment alongside government funds. Critical to the plan is the fast-track completion of irrigation projects, including Veligonda and Galeru-Nagari, to ensure water security for the ambitious agricultural transformation.

Key Points: Andhra Pradesh to Develop 10 Districts as Horticulture Clusters

  • 10 districts targeted as horticulture hubs
  • DP World to establish cluster in Andhra
  • Aim for 500 million metric tonnes of produce
  • Fast-track irrigation projects in Rayalaseema
2 min read

Andhra Pradesh to develop 10 districts as horticulture clusters

CM Naidu directs plan for world's largest horticulture cluster in Rayalaseema, Prakasam & Markapuram, aiming for 500 MMT produce with DP World investment.

"develop the region... as the world's largest horticulture cluster - N. Chandrababu Naidu"

Amaravati, Jan 27

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to prepare an action plan to develop the Rayalseema region and Prakasam and Markapuram districts as horticultural hubs.

The Chief Minister conducted a review meeting with ministers and senior officials on integrated development plans to develop 10 districts as horticulture sector hubs.

The Chief Minister noted that the Rayalaseema region already holds a leading position in the country in horticulture production, and directed that the region, along with Prakasam and Markapuram districts, be developed as the world's largest horticulture cluster.

He asked the officials to promote horticulture production as per global market demand. Naidu said that an action plan should be prepared for producing 500 million metric tonnes of horticultural produce.

He revealed that DP World of Dubai has come forward to establish a horticulture cluster in Andhra Pradesh.

The Chief Minister emphasised mobilising private investments in horticulture in addition to funds from the Purvodaya scheme of the Government of India.

He directed officials to prepare logistics plans covering food processing units, port connectivity, warehouses, cold chains and related infrastructure.

He made it clear that irrigation projects in Rayalaseema, Prakasam and Markapuram districts must be completed on a fast track. He directed that projects should be taken up on a priority basis.

Chief Minister Naidu said that the Veligonda Project should 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.

Naidu also instructed that steps be taken to develop projects not only in Rayalaseema but also in the 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.

He directed officials to prepare plans to take up projects in North Andhra on a priority basis.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Good to see the focus on global market demand and logistics like cold chains. So much of our produce gets wasted due to poor infrastructure. Partnering with DP World for a cluster could bring in much-needed technology and expertise. A step in the right direction!
R
Rahul R
While the plan sounds ambitious, I hope the benefits actually reach the small and marginal farmers. Often, big clusters and private investments end up favoring large agri-businesses. The government must ensure fair pricing and market access for local farmers first.
P
Priyanka N
Completing the Veligonda Project this year is crucial for Prakasam. It's been delayed for so long. Water is the lifeline for horticulture. If they can fast-track irrigation, this plan has a real chance of success. Fingers crossed for the farmers of AP! 🌱
D
David E
Interesting to see the integrated approach covering processing, ports, and cold chains. This is how you build a sustainable agricultural export economy. The mention of linking Polavaram to Vamsadhara is a massive, forward-thinking project. Hope the environmental impact is studied carefully.
A
Aman W
Including North Andhra in the plans is a welcome move. Often development is concentrated in certain regions. The Polavaram Left Canal can be a game-changer for the entire state's water distribution. Jai Kisan! 🚜

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