Nirmala Sitharaman, Naidu to Launch Rs 1 Lakh Cr Horticulture Hub
Nirmala Sitharaman and Chandrababu Naidu to launch a Rs 1 lakh crore Global Horticulture Hub in Madanapalle to transform Rayalaseema.
In a massive boost to the agricultural landscape of Andhra Pradesh, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan are set to launch the prestigious Global Horticulture Hub at Madanapalle on Friday, October 2.
This ambitious project, designed to transform the Rayalaseema region into the nation's premier "Fruit Bowl," represents a monumental investment of approximately Rs 1 lakh crore. The initiative aims to revolutionize farming practices, expand cultivation, and significantly enhance the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the state.
A Multi-Phase Investment Strategy
The project will be executed in three distinct phases, utilizing a combination of government funding and private sector participation. The financial breakdown is as follows:
- Government Contribution: The NDA government will provide Rs 40,352 crore.
- Private Sector Target: Efforts are underway to mobilise Rs 60,000 crore in private investments.
The government's share will be strategically distributed, with Rs 20,884 crore dedicated to irrigation, Rs 15,000 crore for horticulture development, and Rs 4,562 crore earmarked for road infrastructure.
Massive Expansion of Cultivation and Production
The Global Horticulture Hub is not just about infrastructure; it is about scaling up production to unprecedented levels. The government plans to increase the existing horticulture area from 8.41 lakh hectares to 14.41 lakh hectares by adding another 6 lakh hectares of land.
This expansion is expected to yield significant results:
- Production Boost: Horticultural output is projected to rise from the current 222 lakh metric tonnes to a staggering 435 lakh metric tonnes.
- Farmer Impact: The project is designed to directly benefit 9.6 lakh farmers.
- Irrigation Support: An additional ayacut of 9 lakh acres will be created, while irrigation facilities for 4.3 lakh acres will be stabilised.
The project will span 10 districts, including Anantapur, Annamayya, Chittoor, Kurnool, Nandyal, Sri Sathya Sai, Tirupati, Kadapa, Prakasam, and Markapuram, covering 201 clusters across 303 mandals and 5,869 villages.
Focus on High-Value Crops and Logistics
To ensure the region becomes a global leader, the hub will place special emphasis on high-value crops such as mango, banana, tomato, pomegranate, dragon fruit, avocado, and berries. To support this, the plan includes the development of major irrigation projects, drip irrigation systems, advanced road networks, and robust logistics facilities.
Furthermore, the government is actively encouraging private sector investment in food processing plants and export infrastructure. This value-addition strategy is intended to boost the income of farmers by making their produce more competitive in global markets.
Revolutionizing Agriculture Education
Alongside the launch of the horticulture hub, Sitharaman, Naidu, and Pawan Kalyan will lay the foundation stone for the Indian School of Agriculture in Madanapalle. Inspired by the successful model of the Indian School of Business, this institution aims to bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern science.
In a significant development, Reliance has stepped forward to collaborate with the state government to establish and manage this institution. The school will focus on several cutting-edge domains, including:
- Digital agriculture and precision farming
- Smart irrigation and crop monitoring
- Scientific research and modern technology application
- Market intelligence to help farmers navigate global trends
By equipping farmers with advanced knowledge and technological solutions, the Indian School of Agriculture is expected to drive productivity, sustainability, and profitability across the entire agricultural sector.