Amaravati: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the proposed Global Horticulture Hub in Andhra Pradesh could give farmers better access to technology, infrastructure and markets, while creating new opportunities in the horticulture sector.
Sitharaman made the remarks at an event in Madanapalle in Annamayya district, where the foundation stone for the project was laid in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
The project is aimed at strengthening horticulture in the Rayalaseema region, where a large number of farmers depend on crops such as mangoes, tomatoes, bananas and pomegranates.
The proposed hub will cover 10 districts and is expected to be developed through 201 clusters spread across 303 mandals and 5,869 villages. The project has an estimated investment of around ₹1 lakh crore and will be taken up in three phases.
Sitharaman said the focus would not be limited to increasing crop production. Better irrigation, modern farming techniques, post-harvest facilities and improved links with markets are also expected to form part of the initiative.
She said the use of technology could help farmers deal with changing weather conditions and improve the way crops are grown. Climate-resilient varieties, scientific farming practices, precision agriculture and improved water management are among the areas being emphasised.
The government estimates that around 9.6 lakh farmers could benefit from the horticulture programme. The project is also expected to create opportunities beyond farming by strengthening processing, storage, transportation and other activities connected with the agricultural sector.
The event also saw the foundation stone being laid for the Indian School of Agriculture. The proposed institution is expected to work on agricultural research and new technologies, including digital farming, smart irrigation, crop monitoring and market-related information.
Sitharaman said cooperation between the Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government would be important for taking the project forward. She also highlighted existing central schemes aimed at supporting farmers and improving agricultural infrastructure.
The Global Horticulture Hub is being presented as a long-term effort to give Rayalaseema’s horticulture sector a stronger foundation and help farmers gain from better technology, production facilities and market opportunities.
