Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Andhra Pradesh's Irrigation Push Called a Silent Revolution
Andhra Pradesh is working on more irrigation projects to provide water to farmers and families.
Finance minister Payyavula Kesav called this effort a “silent revolution.”
He credited Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu with pushing several projects forward.
The Handri-Neeva project was launched, and water was released through the Polavaram Left Main Canal.
Drip irrigation has become cheaper, which can help farmers grow fruits and other crops.
Kesav said the Pattiseema project has helped send water to the Krishna river.
He also said the project helped protect farming in the Krishna delta.
Naidu said everyone must work together to provide water security across the state.
Finance minister Payyavula Kesav said a “silent revolution” was underway in Andhra Pradesh’s irrigation sector.
The Handri-Neeva project was launched and water was released from the Polavaram Left Main Canal.
Kesav said drip irrigation costs had fallen from about Rs 16 to Rs 1.60 per metre.
He said the Pattiseema project had diverted around 500 TMC ft of water to the Krishna river.
N Chandrababu Naidu said ensuring water security was the collective responsibility of ministers and Collectors.
- Who
- Finance minister Payyavula Kesav and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, along with state ministers and district Collectors.
- What
- The state highlighted irrigation projects and measures intended to improve water security for farmers and families.
- When
- The statements were made at a Collectors Conference on Thursday.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, including the Rayalaseema region, the Krishna delta and the Krishna river system.
- Why
- To strengthen irrigation infrastructure and ensure water security for all people and regions of the state.
- Irrigation initiative
- Payyavula Kesav described the state’s irrigation development as a “silent revolution.”
- Recent developments
- The Handri-Neeva project was launched, and water was released from the Polavaram Left Main Canal.
- Drip irrigation cost
- The reported cost fell from about Rs 16 per metre to Rs 1.60 per metre.
- Pattiseema diversion
- Around 500 TMC ft of water was reportedly diverted to the Krishna river.
- Reported comparison
- Kesav said the diverted water was equivalent to filling Prakasam Barrage nearly 200 times.
- Agricultural impact
- Kesav said cheaper drip irrigation benefited horticulture and helped create greater wealth for farmers in Rayalaseema.
- Shared responsibility
- N Chandrababu Naidu said ministers and Collectors must jointly ensure water security across Andhra Pradesh.