Andhra Pradesh to be developed as horticulture and cocoa hub: Atchannaidu

The Andhra Pradesh government is working with a clear vision to transform the State into a major horticulture and cocoa hub, Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said after inaugurating the State-level Cocoa Conclave here on Friday.

Addressing farmers, scientists and other stakeholders, the Minister said Andhra Pradesh ranks first in the country in cocoa production and the government is committed to expanding cultivation while ensuring better returns for farmers. He said a new law would soon be introduced to guarantee remunerative prices for cocoa crop on the lines of the oil palm pricing mechanism.

Mr. Atchannaidu said the conclave was aimed at creating awareness among farmers on low-cost cultivation practices, quality production, post-harvest management and marketing support with guidance from horticulture experts. He pointed out that while agriculture contributes about ₹50,000 crore to the State gross domestic product, the horticulture sector contributes nearly ₹1.68 lakh crore, highlighting its growing importance.

To boost farm incomes, the government is providing support for drip irrigation, sprinklers and farm automation, he said. The Minister also announced that an international-level Horticulture Conclave would be organised in Vijayawada and that a Food Processing Society had been set up to promote processing units across the State.

Eluru District Collector K. Vetriselvi said cocoa is cultivated in nearly 44,984 acres in the district, with a production of about 10,000 metric tonnes, making it the top cocoa-producing district in the country. She said steps were being taken to establish food processing and chocolate manufacturing units, while farmers are being trained to improve quality and productivity.

Several MLAs, officials, scientists, bankers, processors and progressive farmers participated in the conclave.