Chandrababu Naidu Calls for Greater Food Processing to Boost Farm Incomes and Global Exports

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called for greater processing and value addition of agricultural and horticultural produce to expand access to global markets and create new opportunities for farmers and youth.

Speaking at a public meeting in Musunuru in Eluru district, Naidu said the State government aims to ensure that agricultural products from Andhra Pradesh reach international markets through processing, branding and value addition.

The Chief Minister, along with Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, released Garme Popcornica’s non-GMO hybrid maize seeds at Musunuru.

Focus on Popcorn Processing and Exports

Naidu said Garme Popcorn is producing indigenous, non-GMO seeds in India in association with farmers. Popcorn maize cultivated in the Nuzivid region is being supplied to different parts of India and exported to other countries.

According to the Chief Minister, non-GMO hybrid maize is currently being cultivated across 40,000 acres by 17,500 farmers.

He also referred to the country’s largest popcorn processing plant established at Musunuru near Nuzivid. Naidu said a significant quantity of popcorn consumed in India had previously been imported from countries including Brazil.

He called for Indian popcorn to be processed and exported to Asian and global markets so that a larger share of the economic value remains within the country.

The Chief Minister also said steps would be taken to establish counters at railway stations for Andhra Popcorn and Araku Coffee. He added that indigenous products such as Kondaveeti wooden toys should also be taken to international markets.

Agriculture to Be Linked With Value Addition

Naidu said the NDA governments at the Centre and in Andhra Pradesh view agriculture as an economic activity and farmers as entrepreneurs.

He called for greater value addition to crops such as turmeric, chilli and maize, along with aquaculture products, before taking them to international markets.

According to Naidu, farmers and young people should focus on processing agricultural and horticultural products and developing strong brands, with the aim of increasing the value of produce and improving returns to farmers.

He also said crop patterns need to evolve in response to changing food habits. Commercial crops including palm oil and cocoa, along with aquaculture, have expanded around Nuzivid.

Rayalaseema Horticulture Plan

The Chief Minister said an action plan had been initiated to develop Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub, with a proposed combination of public and private investments totalling ₹1 lakh crore.

He also highlighted water management measures in the State, saying Godavari water was diverted to the Krishna Delta this year despite the impact of El Nino, helping protect crops.

Naidu said completion of the Chintalapudi project would bring further changes to the region. He also said the Veligonda project would be launched by the end of August and would provide water to Markapuram, Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa districts.

Push for Alternative Crops Amid Water Concerns

Referring to the possibility of water scarcity due to El Nino, Naidu said steps had been taken to encourage farmers to consider alternative crops such as pulses.

He appealed to farmers to cooperate with the government’s initiatives and make use of available opportunities.

The Chief Minister also reiterated the NDA government’s vision of interlinking rivers to improve water utilisation. He said linking the Godavari-Krishna, Tungabhadra and Penna-Cauvery river systems could help address water-related challenges across four states, stabilise ayacut areas during difficult periods and support drinking water requirements.

Naidu further said that linking the Ganga, Mahanadi and Godavari rivers could potentially put thousands of TMCs of water to productive use.

“If we achieve water security, the development of the country will be unstoppable,” Naidu said.

Ministers Nara Lokesh, K. Atchannaidu and Kolusu Parthasarathy were present at the event.