Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has initiated a drive to transform the Rayalaseema region and Prakasam and Markapuram districts into major horticultural hubs on a global scale. The plan, discussed at a review meeting with ministers and senior officials, aims to develop 10 districts as horticulture sector hubs.
The Chief Minister highlighted the Rayalaseema region’s current leading position in horticulture production within the country. With this recognition, he envisions the region, along with Prakasam and Markapuram districts, becoming the world’s largest horticulture cluster. To achieve this goal, Naidu emphasized the need to promote horticulture production that caters to global market demands.
Naidu revealed that DP World of Dubai has expressed interest in establishing a horticulture cluster in Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Minister also encouraged private investments in horticulture and urged officials to utilize funds from the Purvodaya scheme of the Government of India alongside these investments.
To ensure seamless logistics, Naidu requested plans for food processing units, port connectivity, warehouses, cold chains, and related infrastructure be prepared. The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of completing irrigation projects in Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and Markapuram districts at an accelerated pace. Specifically, he noted that the Veligonda Project should be completed this year and plans for the reconstruction of the Annamayya Project should be prepared.
Naidu also addressed the need to focus on bringing Krishna waters up to Kadapa through the Galeru–Nagari Project. Additionally, he instructed officials to develop projects not only in Rayalaseema but also in North Andhra districts, with the aim of utilizing Godavari waters once the Polavaram Left Canal works are completed.
