Embrace Tech and Natural Farming, CM Chandrababu Naidu Urges Andhra Farmers

Speedy Summary

• Event: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the annadata Sukhibhava-PM KISAN scheme in Prakasam district.
• Aim: Promising transformative changes in agriculture through new technologies. farmers encouraged to adapt natural farming methods and reduce fertilizer usage.
• technological Measures:

– Revival of drip irrigation subsidies (100% for SC/ST farmers, 70% subsidy in coastal districts).
– Expansion of drip irrigation to over 1,17,880 hectares last year.
– Plans for india’s largest Drone City and deployment of approximately 1,875 Kisan Drones for cultivation this year.

• Aquaculture Support: Considerable assistance including ₹259 crore for fishermen families and subsidized agricultural power at ₹1.50 per unit.
• Crop Guidance: Shift focus from tobacco/groundnut toward aquaculture (coastal areas), horticulture (Rayalaseema), and commercial crops elsewhere; government recommendations based on yield studies to guide farmers on crop choice based on weather/water availability.
• Water Management Initiatives:

– Linking rivers to address water scarcity with a December 2027 target for the Polavaram project completion.

indian Opinion Analysis

The launch of the Annadata Sukhibhava-PM KISAN scheme reflects Andhra Pradesh’s efforts toward modernizing agriculture while addressing existing challenges such as irrigation deficits and low returns from conventional crops like tobacco. The Chief Minister’s emphasis on diversification into aquaculture, horticulture, and commercial farming aligns with sustainable practices aimed at improving farmer livelihoods amidst fluctuating market demands.

Technological developments like expanded drip irrigation coverage coupled with drones signal a forward-thinking approach that could improve productivity if implemented efficiently. Similarly, linking rivers appears critical for mitigating water shortages faced by rain-dependent regions-though its success depends heavily on timely execution.

The revival of subsidies across multiple sectors indicates strong support mechanisms but raises concerns about funding feasibility given fiscal pressures many states face nationally.Andhra Pradesh’s leadership in initiatives such as drone deployment positions it prominently among states exploring tech-driven solutions.

However,careful farmer education about proposed transitions-from chemical-intensive farming to more eco-amiable methods-will be vital since long-term adoption often faces resistance due to immediate cost challenges or lack of understanding.

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