“Chandrababu Naidu seeks Centre’s approval for Central Agricultural University in Andhra Pradesh.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently urged the Union Government to extend full cooperation for the comprehensive development of agriculture and allied sectors in the State, with the aim of increasing farmers’ incomes and ensuring sustainable rural growth.

During a meeting with Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Chief Minister reiterated the State’s long-pending demand for the establishment of a Central Agricultural University in Andhra Pradesh, as envisaged under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Mr. Naidu informed the Union Minister that the State Government had already submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education for the proposed university, with an estimated outlay of ₹2,585 crore.

He also sought approvals for setting up a Coconut Park, a modern aqua laboratory and a Mango Board to strengthen agricultural value chains and create employment opportunities in rural areas.

Outlining the State’s agricultural policy framework, Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh had recorded a growth rate of 10.70% in agriculture and allied sectors by implementing a five-point strategy focusing on water security, demand-driven crop planning, adoption of agri-technology, promotion of food processing and robust institutional support. These measures, he said, were aimed at improving productivity, reducing input costs and enhancing market access for farmers.

As part of the Union Minister’s visit to Amaravati, the Chief Minister submitted a memorandum seeking Central assistance for several initiatives. These included an additional allocation of ₹695 crore under the PM-RKVY-PDMC scheme for expanding micro-irrigation, subsidy support for transporting bananas through railway wagons, approval for a ₹200-crore Coconut Park, and the revival of assistance for silkworm rearing sheds from 2025–26.

Mr. Naidu also sought the expedited release of funds under the PM-PRANAM scheme and approvals for natural farming clusters under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

Highlighting that nearly 40 lakh farmers in the State had adopted natural farming practices, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to allocate additional clusters over the next five years and to declare Andhra Pradesh a National Natural Farming Resource State. He further sought Central support for aqua laboratories, Pulicat Lake development, food processing infrastructure, fisheries development and tobacco procurement.

Expressing confidence that timely Central assistance would accelerate growth in the sector, Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh was well-positioned to emerge as a national leader in agriculture and allied activities while significantly improving rural livelihoods.