Andhra Pradesh is moving decisively towards smart, technology-driven and sustainable agriculture to enhance farmers’ incomes, says Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu.
“The State government’s objective is to convert every drop of water into income for farmers through automation-based micro-irrigation systems,” Mr. Atchannaidu said on Tuesday.
The Minister was speaking after inaugurating the automation facility under the State Horticulture Department at the Integrated Water Resources Management and Farmer Training Centre at Governorpet in Vijayawada.
Mr. Atchannaidu said with depleting water resources, climate change impacts and rising input costs, the transition from conventional farming to smart agriculture had become unavoidable. “Andhra Pradesh, already a leader in micro-irrigation, is further strengthening the system by shifting its focus from the slogan ‘Per Drop More Crop’ to ‘Per Drop More Returns’. Through the use of sensors, data analytics, and automation, irrigation and fertiliser application will be based on precision rather than guesswork,” the Minister said, adding that this would lead to 20-30% water saving, reduced labour cost, and improved crop yield and quality.
The automation-based micro irrigation system would be beneficial for horticulture crops, plantations, greenhouses, shade net cultivation and other high-value crops. The scheme was being implemented State-wide under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), with financial assistance of up to ₹40,000 per hectare.
Small and marginal farmers, along with SC and ST farmers, would receive a 55% subsidy, while other farmers were eligible for a 45%. Automation could also be integrated into the existing drip irrigation systems.
Emphasising transparency, the Minister said implementation would be carried out only through empanelled companies with fixed pricing, mandatory inspections and APMIP branding. He added that the initiative would reduce costs on water, power and fertilisers, while boosting productivity, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a model for the nation.
Agriculture Special Chief Secretary Budithi Rajasekhar, Horticulture Director K. Srinivasulu and other officials were present.
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