Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Naidu Urges Farmers to Process Produce for Global Markets
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu asked farmers and young people to turn farm products into finished goods.
He said this can create more jobs, businesses and wealth.
A company released non-GMO popcorn seeds in Musunuru, Andhra Pradesh.
Farmers are growing this maize on 40,000 acres.
Some of the popcorn is sold in India and other countries.
Naidu wants more products such as chilli, turmeric and aquaculture goods to be processed and exported.
He also discussed growing crops suited to changing food habits and developing Rayalaseema as a horticulture region.
The government is planning water projects and river links to help farmers and provide drinking water.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu urged farmers and young people to process agricultural produce for value addition and entrepreneurship.
Garme Popcornica released indigenous, non-GMO hybrid maize seeds at Musunuru in Eluru district.
Non-GMO popcorn maize is being cultivated on 40,000 acres by 17,500 farmers, with produce exported within India and abroad.
Naidu said Andhra Pradesh should export processed turmeric, chilli, maize, aquaculture and horticultural products under strong brands.
He outlined plans involving alternative crops, horticulture investment and river interlinking to address water scarcity and strengthen agriculture.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, along with Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, addressed farmers and the public.
- What
- The government promoted agricultural processing, non-GMO popcorn cultivation, branded exports, horticulture investment and water-management projects.
- When
- The event took place during the reported visit to Musunuru; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Musunuru near Nuzividu in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- To increase the value of farm produce, create entrepreneurial opportunities, expand exports and improve water security.
- Popcorn cultivation
- Non-GMO hybrid maize is being cultivated across 40,000 acres.
- Farmers involved
- About 17,500 farmers are cultivating the non-GMO hybrid maize.
- Processing facility
- The country’s largest popcorn processing plant was established at Musunuru near Nuzividu, according to the Chief Minister.
- Company and seeds
- Garme Popcornica released indigenous, non-GMO hybrid maize seeds in association with farmers.
- Export objective
- Andhra Pradesh aims to take processed agricultural and horticultural products to global markets.
- Rayalaseema investment
- An action plan was initiated to develop Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub through public and private investments of Rs. 1 lakh crore.
- Water projects
- Naidu discussed the Chintalapudi and Veligonda projects and proposed interlinking several rivers to address water-related problems.