Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will lay the foundation for the Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub at Madanapalle on October 2, aimed at boosting horticulture and farmer incomes.
Amaravati: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will lay the foundation for the Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub and formally launch project works at Madanapalle on October 2.
According to the State Government, the project is proposed to strengthen horticulture-related activities in drought-prone areas and improve the agricultural economy of Rayalaseema. It will cover the four erstwhile districts of Rayalaseema along with Prakasam and Nellore districts.
The government said the Central Government is expected to provide Rs. 40,000 crore under the Purvodaya scheme, while another Rs. 60,000 crore is expected through private investment.
The initiative is being positioned as part of the State Government's strategy to increase agricultural productivity and farmer incomes in regions that face water stress. While irrigation projects are being taken up to provide assured water for cultivation, the government is also seeking to expand horticulture as a higher-value agricultural activity.
The foundation stone for the Indian School of Agriculture will also be laid during the Madanapalle programme.
The institution, which is being established by Reliance, is expected to provide education and training in agriculture, with a focus on developing skills and knowledge in the sector.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to participate in a series of programmes across Andhra Pradesh over five consecutive days from September 29 to October 3.
On September 29, the Chief Minister will participate in the DoPT Karmayogi Mission programme in Vijayawada in the morning and attend the Palle Panduga programme at Udayagiri in Nellore district in the afternoon.
On September 30, he will participate in the distribution of house-site pattas in Vijayawada. Pattas are scheduled to be distributed to around 24,000 beneficiaries.
On October 1, Naidu will participate in the 'Pedala Sevalo' programme and distribute pensions.
On October 2, he will travel to Madanapalle for the foundation ceremony of the Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub. He will subsequently participate in the Swarna Andhra-Swachha Andhra programme. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, he will also take part in the annual Swachha Andhra programme in Vijayawada.
On October 3, the Chief Minister will participate in the Pan-IIT Conference in Vijayawada.
The government is presenting the horticulture hub as a major initiative aimed at combining irrigation development with high-value agriculture and private investment to strengthen the rural economy of the region.
