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Andhra Pradesh Cuts Chemical Fertilizer Use by 2.28%, Boosts Organic Farming

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to discuss the state's agricultural progress. He reported a 2.28% reduction in chemical fertilizer usage during the 2024-25 agricultural year, crediting the state's push for organic and natural farming. The Chief Minister requested the release of central funds for various schemes, including PM PRANAM, and sought support for specific sectors like coconut, mango, and makhana cultivation. He highlighted initiatives that could generate employment for thousands of farmers in the state.

Key Points: AP Reduces Fertilizer Use, Seeks Funds for Organic Farming

  • 2.28% reduction in chemical fertilizer use
  • 18 lakh farmers adopting organic farming
  • Requests release of PM PRANAM scheme funds
  • Seeks support for coconut & mango sectors
  • Proposes Makhana Development Board
2 min read

Andhra Pradesh records 2.28% drop in chemical fertiliser usage: CM Naidu tells Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh

Andhra Pradesh reports a 2.28% drop in chemical fertilizer use. CM Naidu meets Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, seeks funds for natural farming expansion.

"18 lakh farmers have already consented to adopt organic farming practices - Chandrababu Naidu"

New Delhi, February 10

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday met Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and said that the state achieved a 2.28 per cent reduction in chemical fertiliser usage during the 2024-25 agricultural year.

The Chief Minister held detailed discussions in New Delhi on strengthening agriculture and allied sectors in Andhra Pradesh.

The Chief Minister further stated that the state government is aggressively promoting organic and natural farming, with 18 lakh farmers having already consented to adopt organic farming practices across nearly 8 lakh hectares.

Highlighting the state's flagship Community Managed Natural Farming programme, the Chief Minister requested the release of funds under the PM PRANAM scheme to expand the initiative further.

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

Seeking focused support for the coconut sector, the Chief Minister requested central assistance of Rs 200 crore for the development of coconut cultivation in Andhra Pradesh.

He proposed the establishment of coconut processing parks, modern tender coconut markets on the Karnataka model, training programmes for coconut farmers on advanced cultivation practices, and expansion of nurseries. He noted that these initiatives would significantly benefit coconut farmers and generate employment for nearly 15,000 people.

The Chief Minister also urged the Union Minister to release Rs 695 crore pending under the Per Drop More Crop scheme.

On the issue of Totapuri mango farmers, the Chief Minister requested the release of Rs 100 crore as the Centre's share under the Price Deficiency Payment System for the 2025-26 season.

He informed that the state government had already paid farmers even the Centre's share and that a total of Rs 200 crore had been disbursed jointly by the Centre and the state to support Totapuri mango farmers affected by falling prices.

Further, the Chief Minister sought the establishment of a Makhana Development Board in Andhra Pradesh. He informed the Union Minister that nearly 50,000 acres in the Kolleru Lake region are suitable for makhana cultivation and requested necessary incentives and support to promote makhana farming in the state.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see focus on natural farming, but 2.28% is a very small drop. We need much more aggressive targets. Also, where is the data on yield impact? Farmers won't adopt if it hits their income. The intent is right, but execution is key.
S
Suresh O
The coconut and mango farmer support is very welcome. Price deficiency payments are essential for farmer welfare. Hope the Centre cooperates fully. Andhra's agriculture can be a model for others if both state and centre work together.
A
Anjali F
Makhana Development Board for Kolleru Lake is a brilliant idea! It's a nutritious crop and can provide great livelihood. Diversification beyond paddy is the need of the hour. More states should look at such regional specific plans.
D
David E
Interesting read. The scale of the shift to organic farming mentioned here is impressive. The 'Per Drop More Crop' scheme sounds vital for water conservation. Sustainable agriculture is a global imperative.
K
Karthik V
All these requests for funds show the state is trying, but ultimately the success depends on the ground-level officers and fair distribution of benefits to small farmers. Hope the schemes don't just remain on paper. 🤞

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