CM’s stress on increase in food processing to attract global market and wealth generation
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Mumbai/Nuzivid: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu emphasized that boosting agro‑processing will open new avenues for wealth creation and urged farmers and youth to aim for entrepreneurial success in every household. He noted that the coalition government aims to push Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural and horticultural output onto the world stage. The CM, together with Vice‑President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, unveiled Garme Popcornica’s non‑GMO hybrid maize seeds at Musunuru in Eluru district.
Speaking at a public gathering, the Chief Minister said Garme Popcorn is cultivating indigenous, non‑GMO seeds on Indian soil in partnership with farmers. Popcorn maize grown in the Nuzivid region is being shipped domestically and abroad. Non‑GMO hybrid maize now covers 40,000 acres cultivated by 17,500 farmers. He welcomed the launch of the nation’s largest popcorn‑processing facility at Musunuru, close to Nuzividu. He pointed out that previously most popcorn consumed in India was imported from countries like Brazil; moving forward, the value should stay within the country. He added that Andhra popcorn should find markets not only in Asia but worldwide. “We will set up kiosks at railway stations so commuters can taste Andhra Popcorn and Araku Coffee,” he said, noting that native items such as Kondaveeti wooden toys also deserve global exposure.
The Chief Minister stated that both the central NDA government and the state administration regard agriculture as an economic engine and farmers as entrepreneurs. The goal is to enhance the value of farm produce and export it. Turmeric, chilli, maize, aquaculture goods and other commodities must reach international markets. By processing and branding agricultural and horticultural products, their worth rises and farmers reap the benefits.
He also mentioned that crops must adapt to shifting dietary preferences. Commercial crops like palm oil, cocoa and aquaculture are expanding near Nuzividu. An action plan has been launched to turn Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub, backed by public and private investment of ₹1 lakh crore.
The Chief Minister pointed out that, despite El Nino’s impact this year, diverting Godavari water to the Krishna delta safeguarded crops. The region’s outlook will shift further once the Chintalapudi project finishes. He announced that the Veligonda project will be operational by month‑end, supplying water to Markapuram, Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa districts. “El Nino may bring water stress,” he said, “so we are encouraging farmers to grow alternative crops such as pulses. I urge farmers to cooperate and seize these chances.” He reiterated the NDA’s vision of interlinking rivers nationwide for optimal water use. Linking the Godavari‑Krishna, Tungabhadra and Penna‑Cauvery systems can ease water woes in four states, stabilising ayacut areas and securing drinking water during crises. “If the Ganga, Mahanadi and Godavari are also connected, we could harness thousands of TMC of water for productive purposes. Water security would make the nation’s progress unstoppable,” Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu concluded.
Ministers Nara Lokesh, K. Atchannaidu and Kolusu Parthasarathy attended the event.
