Anant Ambani in Madanapalle: Anant Ambani addressed the Global Horticulture Hub and Indian School of Agriculture event in Madanapalle, promising technology-driven farming and farmer empowerment.
Anant Ambani in Madanapalle: The foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Global Horticulture Hub and the Indian School of Agriculture (ISA) was held in Madanapalle, Annamayya district, on Friday. Reliance Industries Executive Director Anant Ambani, who attended the event as the chief guest, delivered an address focused on technology-driven agriculture, farmer empowerment and rural economic development.
Addressing Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Anant Ambani said, “Treat me as a son of Andhra Pradesh and guide me on what I can do for the comprehensive development of the state.” His remarks drew a warm response from the Chief Minister. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Minister Nara Lokesh were also present at the programme.
Anant Ambani said the Indian School of Agriculture would focus on equipping farmers with modern skills, technology and scientific knowledge, with the objective of helping every farmer become the “CEO of their own farm.”
He expressed hope that ISA would develop into a premier institution on the lines of the Indian School of Business (ISB) and contribute to transforming agriculture into a technology-driven and more profitable sector. The ISA is planned to focus on digital agriculture, precision farming, crop monitoring, smart irrigation and market intelligence.
Highlighting the historical importance of Madanapalle, Ambani recalled the town’s association with Rabindranath Tagore and the English translation of Jana Gana Mana. He described Madanapalle as a place with a significant cultural and historical legacy.
Ambani said emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, drones and robotics would be used to promote precision farming and help farmers manage crops, water and fertilisers more efficiently.
He particularly highlighted the potential to support Madanapalle’s tomato farmers with market intelligence, helping them make informed decisions about where and when to sell their produce to improve returns.
Reliance’s digital ecosystem will also support the agriculture initiative. Ambani said Jio and the Indian School of Agriculture would work together to take technology-based agricultural services closer to farmers.
Through Jio Krishi, farmers would receive technological support and access to digital tools aimed at improving farm management and market connectivity.
Ambani also spoke about Reliance’s green-energy initiatives and the potential to turn farmers into “Urjadatas” or energy producers.
He highlighted the company’s work in compressed biogas and bio-energy, with a focus on clean fuel, sustainable agriculture and improved livestock management.
Describing “Desh Seva - Kisan Seva” as an important guiding principle, Ambani spoke about Reliance’s animal welfare initiatives through Vantara.
He said high-tech animal husbandry initiatives could help strengthen livestock-based rural economies while creating additional livelihood opportunities for young people in villages.
Ambani praised the investment environment in Andhra Pradesh under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and referred to the state’s emphasis on accelerating industrial and infrastructure development.
The Global Horticulture Hub is planned as a large-scale initiative covering horticulture production, irrigation, roads, logistics, food processing and exports. The project is expected to benefit farmers across several districts of the Rayalaseema region.
He assured that Reliance would extend its cooperation to the development of the Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub.
The Global Horticulture Hub and Indian School of Agriculture are being positioned as initiatives aimed at strengthening agricultural technology, market access, value addition and the rural economy in Andhra Pradesh.
