5 hrs ago
Kurnool Plans 60,000-Hectare Horticulture Expansion to Boost Farm Incomes
Kurnool district wants more farmers to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other horticultural crops.
It plans to add 60,000 hectares to the land already used for horticulture.
Officials say this could help farmers earn more money.
They will encourage water-saving systems such as drip irrigation and farm ponds.
Farmers will also receive better planting materials and training in modern methods.
Crops that match market demand and changing weather will be promoted.
The plan also includes facilities to sort, store, cool, and sell the produce.
A wider Rayalaseema development programme is scheduled to be launched on October 2.
Kurnool district plans to add 60,000 hectares to its existing 86,000 hectares of horticulture cultivation.
The administration will promote drip irrigation, micro-irrigation, fertigation, farm ponds, and improved planting material.
Demand-based crops including mango, sweet orange, onion, chilli, papaya, vegetables, and flowers will be encouraged.
Post-harvest infrastructure such as collection centres, pack houses, cold chains, storage centres, and ripening chambers is planned.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to launch the “Global Horticulture Hub – Rayalaseema Rising” programme on October 2.
- Who
- Kurnool district administration, led by Collector Dr. A. Siri, with a programme to be launched by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
- What
- An expansion of horticulture cultivation by 60,000 hectares, along with improvements in irrigation, productivity, processing, storage, and marketing.
- Where
- Kurnool district, with the broader Rayalaseema programme scheduled to launch in Annamayya district.
- When
- The expansion plan was announced; the Global Horticulture Hub programme is scheduled for launch on October 2.
- Why
- To increase farm incomes and horticulture’s Gross Value Added by improving cultivation, productivity, quality, value addition, and market access.
Key facts
- Current horticulture area
- Around 86,000 hectares in Kurnool district
- Planned expansion
- An additional 60,000 hectares
- Current horticulture value
- Around Rs 6,768 crore
- Current drip-irrigation coverage
- Around 8,200 hectares
- Current-year drip-irrigation target
- 10,000 hectares
- Promoted crops
- Mango, sweet orange, onion, chilli, papaya, vegetables, and flowers
- Programme launch
- “Global Horticulture Hub – Rayalaseema Rising,” scheduled for October 2 in Annamayya district
Quotes
Dr. A. Siri
Kurnool district collector
“We will focus on improving water-use efficiency through drip irrigation, micro-irrigation, fertigation, and farm ponds. Quality planting material will be made available to farmers, who will also be taught modern cultivation practices.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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