Rayalaseema to become global horticulture hub with launch of ₹1 lakh-crore project: Collector

Collector A. Shyam Prasad addressing a press conference at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district on Saturday. | Photo Credit: HANDOUT Sri Sathya Sai District Collector A. Shyam Prasad on Saturday said that Rayalaseema would be developed as an international hub for horticulture crops with the launch of ‘Global Horticulture Hub - Rayalaseema Rising’ on October 2 at Madanapalle.Addressing a press conference here, the Collector said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would formally launch the ₹1 lakh-crore project. Mr. Shyam Prasad said the government would invest ₹40,000 crore in the next three to four years, while ₹60,000 crore is expected through private investments. Rayalaseema has ideal climatic conditions for horticulture crops, he said.“In phase-1, cultivation will be expanded in 72,789 hectares across 12 clusters. An additional 78,082 hectares will be brought under micro-irrigation this year to ensure 100% yield with 30% water,” he said. Drip systems, polyhouses, sprinklers, drones and boom sprayers would be promoted, along with inter-cropping and controlled environment cultivation. Focus will also be on post-harvest management and marketing, the Collector added.Meanwhile, awareness programmes on plantation drives and the Horticulture Technology Challenge quiz will be held from September 28 to 30. Farm ponds with up to ₹1 lakh subsidy and weed mats will also be promoted. “The event on October 2 will be live-streamed at all RSKs and mandal headquarters,” the Collector informed. Published - September 26, 2026 07:38 pm IST