Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Andhra Pradesh Plans 19 Drumstick Processing Units to Boost Rural Incomes
The Andhra Pradesh government wants to build 19 places where drumstick leaves can be processed into products.
The plan is meant to help farmers earn more and create jobs for women in rural areas.
It is being carried out through SERP.
The government is choosing locations based on where drumsticks grow and whether farmers and producer groups can support the units.
It is also providing high-yielding seeds and arranging visits to learn about processing and selling products.
One plant in Yerravaripalem already makes 250 kilograms of drumstick powder each day.
The minister says farmers can make a profit when their producer organisations buy leaves for more than the reported production cost.
The Andhra Pradesh government plans to establish 19 drumstick processing units to increase farmer incomes and support rural employment.
The programme is being implemented through the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), according to minister Kondapalli Srinivas.
Sites will be selected based on factors including climate, cultivation area, raw material availability, farmer interest and FPO capacity.
The Yerravaripalem plant produces 250 kg of drumstick powder daily and procures leaves from about 300 acres.
The Yerravaripalem unit cost Rs 86.80 lakh; FPOs reportedly pay farmers Rs 15 per kg for leaves costing about Rs 10 per kg to produce.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh government, SERP, farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations; minister Kondapalli Srinivas announced the plan.
- What
- A programme to establish 19 drumstick processing units, alongside seed distribution and study tours.
- When
- The minister made the statement on Wednesday; no calendar date is provided.
- Where
- Across Andhra Pradesh, with existing units cited at Veeraballi and Yerravaripalem.
- Why
- To raise farmers’ incomes, strengthen FPOs and create rural employment opportunities, including for women.
Programme rationale
Reported outcomes
Expected benefits versus demonstrated results
Programme rationale
The government says the proposed units are intended to raise farmer incomes, strengthen FPOs and create local jobs, including for rural women.
Reported outcomes
The report gives operational figures for Yerravaripalem, but does not provide independent evaluation or outcome data for the wider planned programme.
- Planned units
- 19 drumstick processing units
- Implementing body
- Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP)
- Yerravaripalem daily output
- 250 kg of drumstick powder
- Yerravaripalem unit cost
- Rs 86.80 lakh
- Supply area
- Drumstick leaves sourced from around 300 acres
- Reported per-kilogram figures
- Production cost around Rs 10; FPO purchase price Rs 15
- Seed source
- Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu