A.P. CM Naidu calls for value addition, river-linking to transform farm sector

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh looking at the popcorn maize seed samples at the Gourmet Popcornica facility at Musunuru in Eluru district on Monday. | Photo Credit: Special Arranagement Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday outlined a broad vision for transforming the agriculture sector through value addition, food processing, branding and exports, while stressing water security through the interlinking of rivers.These measures are crucial to increasing farmers’ incomes and driving long-term economic growth, the Chief Minister said.Addressing farmers at Musunuru near Nuzvid after the launch of Garme Popcornica non-GMO hybrid maize seeds by Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Mr. Naidu said farmers should become entrepreneurs and agricultural produce should be processed and developed into global products instead of being sold as raw commodities.The NDA government considers agriculture an economic force and farmers entrepreneurs. Crops such as turmeric, maize and chilli, along with aquaculture products, should be processed, branded and exported to global markets, he said.Mr. Naidu underlined the importance of interlinking rivers to address water scarcity and stabilise irrigation. “Linking the Godavari and Krishna rivers and connecting the Tungabhadra, Pennar and Cauvery river systems can help address water-related problems in four States, ensuring irrigation and drinking water during difficult periods,” he said.If the Ganga, Mahanadi and Godavari river systems are integrated, India can make use of thousands of TMC of water, which is not being optimally utilised now. “Once water security is achieved, the country’s development will become unstoppable,” Mr. Naidu said.Mr. Naidu appreciated the company for developing an integrated system, involving seed production, mechanisation, cultivation technology, procurement and processing. Around 17,500 farmers are cultivating the non-GM hybrid maize on nearly 40,000 acres, he said.Popcorn maize cultivated in Nuzvid region has the potential to be exported internationally. The company has established a major popcorn processing plant at Musunuru and accounts for around 70 per cent of the country's popcorn production, he said.“Value addition will increase the value of agricultural produce, ultimately benefiting farmers,” Mr. Naidu said, urging farmers and youth to focus on food processing and agri-based entrepreneurship. Every family should aim to have an entrepreneur, he said.“Only around 10 per cent of agricultural produce in Andhra Pradesh is currently being processed, leaving a big scope for increasing wealth generation through the expansion of processing facilities,” Mr. Naidu said.Mr. Naidu said the agriculture sector needs to adapt to changing food habits and market requirements. The State is gradually moving towards horticulture and high-value crops, he said, stressing the need for long-term planning for crops and economic activities.The government is also working to transform Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub through public and private investments of about ₹1 lakh crore. It is planning to complete 36 priority water projects at an estimated cost of ₹35,000 crore, he said.Referring to water management, Mr. Naidu said that the Godavari water had been diverted to the Krishna delta to protect crops, despite the challenges posed by El Niño effect.Completion of the Chintalapudi project would transform the future of the region, he said.Warning of the possibility of water scarcity due to El Niño effect, Mr. Naidu said that the government was encouraging farmers to consider alternative crops and appealed to them to make the best possible use of available water resources. Published - August 24, 2026 07:31 pm IST