Global Horticulture Hub to Boost Farmer Opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, Says Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has laid the foundation for a Global Horticulture Hub in Rayalaseema, aimed at modernising farming, improving infrastructure and creating opportunities for farmers.

Rayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub to Boost Farming

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has laid the foundation stone for the Rayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub in Madanapalle, Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh.

The project is aimed at strengthening horticulture in the Rayalaseema region and creating better economic opportunities for farmers by improving agricultural infrastructure, technology and market-related facilities.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan were also present at the foundation-laying ceremony.

Centre and State Join Hands to Develop Horticulture

Addressing the event, Sitharaman said the Centre and Andhra Pradesh government are working together to establish the state as an important horticulture centre.

She highlighted the need for effective water management, modern agricultural technology and improved infrastructure to support farmers and strengthen agricultural productivity.

According to the minister, these measures can help farmers adopt more efficient cultivation practices while creating better conditions for improving farm incomes.

Project to Cover 10 Districts

The proposed Global Horticulture Hub will cover 10 districts across the region. It will focus on important horticultural crops such as mango, banana, tomato and pomegranate, which are widely cultivated in Andhra Pradesh.

The project is planned to be implemented in three phases, with the overall investment estimated at approximately ₹1 lakh crore.

The large-scale initiative is expected to create an integrated ecosystem around horticulture, covering production and supporting agricultural infrastructure.

Focus on Modern Farming Technology

Sitharaman emphasised the importance of technology and scientific methods in improving the agriculture sector.

The government is promoting climate-resilient crop varieties to help farmers deal with changing weather conditions and other challenges affecting agricultural production.

The minister also highlighted the use of modern farming technologies and better resource management as important elements of the horticulture development programme.

Water Management to Remain a Key Priority

Water availability is an important issue for agriculture in the Rayalaseema region. Sitharaman stressed the need for better water management to support horticultural cultivation and improve farm productivity.

Efficient irrigation and modern agricultural practices can help farmers make better use of available water resources while supporting cultivation in areas facing water-related challenges.

Solar Pumps and Renewable Energy Support

The Finance Minister also highlighted the government's efforts to promote solar-powered agricultural pumps under schemes such as PM-KUSUM.

Solar energy-based irrigation can provide farmers with an alternative source of power for agricultural operations while supporting the broader adoption of renewable energy in the rural economy.

The initiative is part of the government's wider focus on combining agricultural development with sustainable energy solutions.

PM-KISAN and Crop Insurance Schemes Highlighted

Sitharaman referred to several Central Government initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, including PM-KISAN and crop insurance programmes.

PM-KISAN provides income support to eligible farmer families, while crop insurance schemes are designed to provide financial protection against specified crop losses.

The minister highlighted these initiatives alongside infrastructure and technology measures being promoted for the agriculture sector.

Indian School of Agriculture to Promote Research

The foundation stone for the Indian School of Agriculture was also laid at Madanapalle. The institution is expected to help farmers gain access to modern agricultural knowledge, scientific techniques and research-based practices.

Sitharaman expressed the hope that the school would eventually develop into a world-class agricultural institution and contribute to the modernisation of farming practices.

Greater Opportunities for Farmers

The Global Horticulture Hub is intended to create an ecosystem that can connect farmers with modern technology, infrastructure and improved agricultural practices.

By focusing on horticultural crops and expanding supporting facilities, the project aims to strengthen the region's agricultural economy.

Better infrastructure and scientific farming methods could also support improvements in productivity, crop quality and market opportunities.

Andhra Pradesh’s Horticulture Ambitions

The project forms part of efforts to strengthen Andhra Pradesh's position in horticulture and expand the economic potential of the sector.

With its focus on major crops such as mango, banana, tomato and pomegranate, the proposed hub is expected to provide a structured platform for developing horticulture across multiple districts.

The three-phase implementation and proposed investment of around ₹1 lakh crore underline the scale of the project.

Conclusion

The Rayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub represents a major proposed investment in Andhra Pradesh's horticulture sector, with emphasis on technology, water management, renewable energy and agricultural research. Along with the Indian School of Agriculture, the initiative is expected to provide farmers with access to modern practices and infrastructure while supporting the region's broader horticultural development.