Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Andhra CM seeks Centre's aid for key farm sectors
The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu, asked the central government for help with three important farming areas: shrimp farming, tobacco, and fruit and vegetable farming.
He said that the costs of making shrimp food have gone up a lot, which makes it harder to sell shrimp to other countries.
He also mentioned that not enough tobacco is being bought by companies, and he has a big plan to improve fruit and vegetable farming that needs a lot of money.
He invited the central finance minister to an event to start this farming plan.
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for policy and financial support for aquaculture, tobacco, and horticulture sectors.
Shrimp feed production costs have risen by over 20% this year, increasing production expenses and affecting marine exports.
Andhra Pradesh accounts for 80% of India's shrimp exports and faces a 5.77% US countervailing duty and potential anti-dumping duties.
Tobacco farmers are affected by high GST and excise duties, leading to reduced procurement by manufacturers.
The Rayalaseema Integrated Horticulture Development Plan aims to invest Rs 1 lakh crore, benefit 9 lakh farmers, and create employment for 19.7 lakh people by 2030.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu
- What
- Sought Centre's policy and financial support for aquaculture, tobacco, and horticulture sectors
- When
- During a meeting on Friday
- Where
- Chief Minister’s camp office in Amaravati
- Why
- To address rising input costs, global trade barriers, and taxation issues affecting farmers and rural livelihoods
- Sectors Requested Support
- Aquaculture, Tobacco, Horticulture
- Shrimp Feed Cost Increase
- 20% this year
- US Duty on Indian Shrimp
- 5.77% countervailing duty
- Tobacco Procurement Issue
- 34 million kg purchased out of 230 million kg produced
- Horticulture Development Plan Investment
- Rs 1 lakh crore (Rs 40,000 crore government, Rs 60,000 crore private)
- Horticulture Targets
- 14.41 lakh hectares cultivation, 435 lakh metric tonnes production by 2030
- Horticulture Mission Launch
- August 6-7
