Naidu orders ‘Farm to Home’ model to connect Andhra Pradesh farmers directly with consumers

Chief Minister N. Charndrababu Naidu is asking officials to increase the use of drones, harvesters and farm machinery. | Photo credit: Representative photo

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) directed officials to introduce a ‘farm to home’ model that will supply farm produce directly from farmers to consumers through farmer producer organizations (FPOs).

Reviewing agriculture, allied sectors and six primary sector missions at the camp office, Mr. Naidu said the initiative would help farmers get better marketing opportunities and ensure cheap supply of vegetables and fruits to households.

Mr. Naidu instructed officials to prepare region-wise crop plans keeping in view the possible impact of El Niño conditions on the state. He said natural farming should be encouraged and suggested adoption of PMDS and crescent methods in water scarce areas.

The chief minister directed officials to ensure minimum support prices (MSP) for crops despite adverse climatic conditions. He said reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides should be reduced and micronutrients and natural farming practices promoted.

Agricultural universities were asked to prepare field study plans for organic agriculture involving professors and students.

The chief minister directed officials to expand farm mechanization through cluster-based plans and increase the use of drones, harvesters and farm machinery integrated through the Farmer app. Soil testing data should also be made available online to farmers, he said.

Purvodaya scheme

Mr. Naidu announced plans to develop Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub under the ₹40,000-crore Purvodaya scheme, backed by ₹60,000-crore irrigation, roads, warehouses and private investment. He asked officials to look into setting up Cocoa City near Yadavolu in Devarapalli mandal of East Godavari district.

The Chief Minister said the foundation stone of the Indian Agricultural College at Madanapalle would be laid in July. He also directed officials to set up cold storage facilities for banana farmers in Rayalaseema.

While reviewing the aquaculture sector, Mr. Naidu ordered the immediate completion of the Central Food Testing Laboratory at Pulivendula by releasing ₹3 crore. It extended the existing subsidy of ₹1.50 per unit of power to 12,680 newly registered aquaculture connections, in addition to the existing 50,000 connections.

The state government currently spends ₹1,100 crore annually on hydropower subsidies and will bear another ₹188 crore for new connections.

The Chief Minister said that Andhra Pradesh would promote aquaculture as part of the ‘blue economy’ strategy and approved steps to provide 200 mechanized fishing boats for fishermen at an estimated cost of ₹240 crore.

He directed officials to modernize Rythu Bazaars and set them up in 90 council constituencies and expand the reach of the Digi Rythu Bazaar app.

Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and senior officials of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Food Processing and Associate Ministries attended the review meeting.

Published – 27 May 2026 12:02 IST