The Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled its Agriculture Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, with a total allocation of INR43,402 crore. The budget aims to improve farmers’ livelihoods, boost agricultural productivity, and strengthen rural infrastructure. It focuses on advancing sustainable farming practices, providing financial support to farmers, and integrating technology into agricultural processes.
Additionally, the budget emphasizes rural economic development through infrastructure enhancement and targeted support for agricultural growth. The budget was presented by Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu in the state Legislative Assembly.
Key Allocations of the Budget
A significant portion of the budget is allocated to schemes that directly benefit farmers, with the government prioritizing irrigation, crop insurance, and financial assistance programs:
- Irrigation Projects: INR14,637 crore is earmarked for maintaining and upgrading irrigation infrastructure.
- Free Power Scheme: INR7,241 crore is set aside for providing electricity to farmers at subsidized rates under the free power scheme.
- Crop Insurance: INR1,023 crore has been allocated to provide farmers with financial protection against crop failures.
- Annadata Sukhibhava Scheme: INR4,500 crore has been allocated for this scheme, which will provide INR20,000 per acre to land-owning farmers, including INR6,000 from the Central PM-Kisan scheme. This initiative is part of the promises made during the election campaign by the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance.
In addition, INR5,150 crore will be directed toward agricultural work under the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), and INR3,300 crore will be allocated for flood mitigation projects like the Budameru flood works.
Support for Agricultural Infrastructure and Welfare
Seed and Fertilizer Distribution: INR240 crore is allocated for seed supply, and INR40 crore for maintaining a buffer stock of fertilizers, overseen by AP-Markfed.
Loans and Financial Assistance: INR628 crore is allocated to provide interest-free loans to farmers, and INR7,241 crore is earmarked for the state’s free power scheme.
Soil Health and Technological Innovations
The Andhra Pradesh government is focusing on enhancing soil health and adopting new technologies to improve agricultural productivity:
Soil Health Cards: INR39 crore will be spent on soil testing, with 4.5 lakh soil samples set to be tested across the state. Farmers will receive Soil Health Cards based on these tests, along with advice on appropriate fertilizers and micronutrients.
Technological Support: The budget proposes the use of advanced technologies such as drones, remote sensing, and AI/ML-based solutions to aid in farming practices. INR45 crore is allocated for digital agriculture initiatives, while INR423 crore is allocated to the A.P. Community Managed Natural Farming programme.
Farm Mechanization: INR188 crore will be allocated for farm mechanization, which aims to increase the efficiency and productivity of agriculture through the use of modern tools and machinery.
Focus on Natural Farming and Rural Service Centers
Natural Farming: The government is investing INR423 crore to promote natural farming, with a target to expand its coverage to 6.64 lakh hectares from the current 4.86 lakh hectares. This initiative is expected to involve 13 lakh farmers, up from the current 10.30 lakh.
Rural Service Centers: Plans are underway to establish 875 service centers across the state. These centers will provide farmers with access to digital tools, pest management, and expert advice on agricultural practices. An app will also be developed to track pests and diseases and offer solutions.
Educational and Research Institutions
Several agricultural universities and research institutions are set to receive funding to support education, research, and development in the agriculture sector. Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University has been allocated INR508 crore, while Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University will receive INR172 crore. Dr. YSR Horticultural University has been allotted INR103 crore, and AP Fisheries University will get INR38 crore. These allocations aim to strengthen academic and research capabilities in key areas of agriculture, veterinary science, horticulture, and fisheries, further advancing the state’s agricultural knowledge and innovation.
Budgetary Allocations for Agricultural Sectors
The budget also includes several other important allocations to support agriculture and allied sectors. The Fisheries Department has been allocated INR521 crore, while the Agriculture Department will receive INR315 crore. Additionally, the Cooperative Department is set to receive INR308 crore, and the Sericulture Department has been allocated INR109 crore.
Polam Pilustondi Campaign: A Direct Approach to Farmer Issues
In an effort to better understand and address the issues faced by farmers, the government has launched the Polam Pilustondi campaign. This initiative will involve agricultural department officials, scientists, and local representatives visiting farmers’ fields twice a week during the Kharif and Rabi seasons. The goal is to resolve problems on-site, and any issues that cannot be immediately addressed will be escalated to higher authorities. The campaign will also feature the use of an app to capture pest and disease information, which will be used to provide immediate solutions.
Financial Outlook and Institutional Support
Alongside the agricultural budget, the state’s overall financial situation was also discussed. Andhra Pradesh’s total budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year stands at INR2,94,427 crore, with the agriculture sector receiving special attention through the allocation of INR43,402 crore. The government has emphasized its commitment to supporting farmers through direct financial assistance, technological advancements and the strengthening of rural infrastructure.
The Agriculture Budget for 2024-25 reflects the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of farmers and rural communities. By focusing on irrigation, crop insurance, soil health, and natural farming, the state aims to make agriculture a more profitable and sustainable sector. With a robust allocation for technological advancements and rural service centers, the government plans to modernize farming practices and ensure that farmers have the support they need.