Andhra Pradesh, after its bifurcation in 2014, has focused significantly on revitalizing and restructuring its agricultural sector to meet the growing challenges and demands of food security, rural employment, and overall economic development. Agriculture, the backbone of Andhra Pradesh’s rural economy, employs about 62% of the state’s population, highlighting its role in socio-economic stability and growth. Despite these numbers, agriculture in Andhra Pradesh faces challenges such as unpredictable monsoons, climate change impacts, and resource scarcity. However, the state has initiated various schemes and adopted diverse approaches to improve productivity, sustainability, and farmer income.
Developmental Approaches and Strategies
The agricultural development strategy in Andhra Pradesh revolves around a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach. Key aspects include improving crop productivity, expanding irrigation, promoting sustainable farming practices, ensuring farmer welfare, and strengthening the agricultural market.
- Promotion of High-Value Crops The government has actively promoted the shift towards high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers. The focus has been on increasing the acreage under horticulture, which is not only less water-intensive than traditional cereal crops but also provides higher profitability for farmers. As a result, the area under horticulture in Andhra Pradesh has grown to over 1.5 million hectares as of 2023. Key horticultural crops like mango, banana, chili, and turmeric have been prioritized for export, leveraging Andhra Pradesh’s favorable agro-climatic conditions.
- Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) One of the state’s most innovative agricultural strategies is the promotion of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), a method aiming to reduce input costs and make farming sustainable. By 2023, approximately 0.6 million farmers have adopted ZBNF practices across 700,000 hectares in the state. ZBNF relies on locally sourced inputs, minimizing dependency on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and aims to promote soil health, improve crop yield, and enhance resilience to climate variations. The program has garnered attention for its success in reducing input costs by 20-25% while increasing farmer income through improved yield and organic certification.
- Digital Agriculture and Technological Integration The Andhra Pradesh government has harnessed digital technology to increase efficiency and transparency in agricultural operations. Digital platforms are now widely used to provide farmers with real-time information on weather, pest control, and best practices. For instance, the Ryot Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) serve as farmer assistance centers that provide information, quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and technical support. By 2023, over 10,500 RBKs have been set up across Andhra Pradesh, directly benefitting over 5.6 million farmers. These centers play a crucial role in delivering extension services and ensuring farmers have timely access to essential resources.
- Irrigation and Water Management Initiatives Andhra Pradesh has been active in developing irrigation facilities to ensure year-round water availability for agriculture. The Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project, which links the Godavari River to the Krishna River, is a landmark project, allowing water from surplus areas to irrigate drought-prone regions. This project has added over 300,000 acres to the state’s irrigated area, enhancing productivity. Furthermore, the Polavaram Project, upon completion, is expected to irrigate nearly 2.9 million acres, stabilizing water resources and supporting agriculture in the region. These irrigation initiatives aim to alleviate the water stress caused by recurring droughts and erratic monsoon patterns.
- Soil Health Management Recognizing the importance of soil health, the Andhra Pradesh government has implemented a robust soil health program that includes regular soil testing and the distribution of soil health cards to farmers. These cards contain information on soil nutrients and recommend specific fertilizers, aiming to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. Since bifurcation, over 3 million soil health cards have been distributed, leading to more informed and balanced fertilizer usage, improved soil structure, and sustainable agriculture.
- Micro-Irrigation Systems In a bid to conserve water, the government has promoted micro-irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, under the Andhra Pradesh Micro-Irrigation Project (APMIP). With nearly 1.2 million hectares under micro-irrigation systems by 2023, Andhra Pradesh leads the nation in water conservation efforts. These systems help reduce water usage by up to 50%, enhance crop productivity, and minimize soil erosion, making it ideal for regions with limited water availability.
Initiatives for Farmer Welfare and Support
The state’s policies have also focused on uplifting the financial conditions of farmers and ensuring a safety net against market and environmental fluctuations.
- YSR Rythu Bharosa YSR Rythu Bharosa is a flagship program designed to provide financial assistance to farmers. Under this scheme, small and marginal farmers receive an annual income support of ₹13,500 (USD 162) to cover their farming expenses. The scheme benefits around 5.4 million farmers in Andhra Pradesh, with a cumulative disbursement of approximately ₹6,500 crore (USD 780 million) each year. This initiative helps alleviate financial stress and enables farmers to invest in better inputs and technology for higher yields.
- Crop Insurance – Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) The Andhra Pradesh government has actively implemented PMFBY, a crop insurance scheme to protect farmers from crop losses due to natural calamities. With over 2.8 million farmers enrolled, this scheme provides coverage against crop failure due to unforeseen events, thereby reducing farmer distress. In recent years, the state has expanded insurance coverage to horticultural and plantation crops, securing wider crop protection.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Procurement The state government has strengthened procurement mechanisms to ensure farmers receive a fair price for their produce. Paddy and pulses are among the main crops procured at MSP, ensuring market stability for farmers. In the 2023 Rabi season alone, over 6 million metric tons of paddy were procured at MSP, benefitting approximately 1.8 million farmers. The government is also promoting decentralization in procurement to reach small and marginal farmers in remote areas more effectively.
- Market Access and Infrastructure Development To address the issues related to market access, Andhra Pradesh has developed a network of cold storage units, warehouses, and marketing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. As of 2023, the state has established over 200 cold storage facilities and several warehouse complexes to handle perishables and non-perishables. Additionally, the online platform e-NAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market) connects farmers to a broader market, eliminating intermediaries and enhancing price discovery. Andhra Pradesh currently has over 40 agricultural markets integrated with e-NAM, facilitating direct sales to buyers across India.
Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience
To build resilience against climate change, Andhra Pradesh has adopted various climate-smart agricultural practices.
- Agroforestry and Carbon Sequestration The government promotes agroforestry as a means to combat soil degradation, improve biodiversity, and sequester carbon. Under this program, farmers are encouraged to plant trees alongside crops to improve soil quality, prevent erosion, and create a favorable microclimate. By 2023, over 120,000 hectares have been brought under agroforestry, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a leader in climate-smart agriculture.
- Drought and Flood Management Andhra Pradesh experiences both droughts and floods, leading to significant crop losses. To mitigate these risks, the state has established early warning systems and disaster response mechanisms. Remote sensing and GIS technology are utilized to monitor weather patterns and anticipate flood-prone areas. The government’s proactive approach has led to reduced crop damage during extreme weather events, with state disaster response teams ready to support farmers in flood-prone districts such as Guntur, East Godavari, and West Godavari.
- Promotion of Pulses and Millets Given their resilience to drought and minimal water requirement, pulses and millets have been promoted extensively in Andhra Pradesh. With increased awareness of their nutritional value, millet farming has expanded, contributing to dietary diversification and food security. By 2023, pulses and millets covered nearly 700,000 hectares in the state, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a significant player in millet production.
Conclusion
Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural sector, post-bifurcation, has shown resilience and growth despite numerous challenges. Through initiatives focused on sustainable farming, technological integration, improved water management, and farmer welfare, the state has made significant strides in transforming its agriculture. Policies such as Zero Budget Natural Farming, YSR Rythu Bharosa, and the adoption of micro-irrigation have redefined farming in Andhra Pradesh, reducing dependency on synthetic inputs, improving productivity, and enhancing resilience to climate change.
While the challenges are far from over, Andhra Pradesh’s comprehensive approach to agricultural development stands as a model for sustainable farming. The state’s focus on innovation, market accessibility, and climate-smart practices offers valuable insights into the future of Indian agriculture. With continued investments in infrastructure, technology, and farmer support, Andhra Pradesh is well-positioned to achieve food security, improve rural livelihoods, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
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