Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu presented the Agriculture Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 in the state assembly. The minister highlighted that the government is ensuring an uninterrupted supply of fertilizers. For the upcoming fiscal year, 41.38 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizers will be distributed across the state to support farmers.

The total agriculture budget for 2025-26 stands at Rs.48,341.14 crore, covering various initiatives, subsidies, and farmer welfare schemes. Minister Atchannaidu highlighted the government’s emphasis on natural farming as a sustainable alternative to chemical-based agriculture. A budget of Rs.61.78 crore has been allocated to raise awareness and support farmers in adopting eco-friendly practices.

The government is also pushing for agricultural mechanization to reduce labour costs and improve efficiency. A total of Rs.219.65 crore has been set aside for the purchase of modern farming equipment and Rs.80 crore specifically for providing subsidies on drones. The government plans to establish 875 Kisan Drone Mechanization Centers across the state.

The budget also focuses on stabilizing fertilizer supply, with Rs.40 crore earmarked for maintaining buffer stocks. Additionally, Rs.240 crore has been set aside for seed subsidies to ensure high-quality seeds reach farmers on time. The minister noted that the current government had cleared Rs.120 crore in pending seed subsidy dues left by the previous administration.

In the last year, the government successfully supplied 35.8 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizers, and for 2025-26, it has planned for 41.38 lakh metric tonnes to ensure smooth agricultural operations. To ensure financial security for farmers, the government has allocated Rs.9,400 crore for the Annadata Sukhibhava and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi schemes, providing direct cash benefits to farmers. Additionally, Rs.1,023 crore has been earmarked for free crop insurance, covering farmers against unforeseen weather events and crop losses.

The horticulture sector has been allocated Rs.930.88 crore, supporting the production of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. The cooperation department, which oversees farmers' cooperatives and financial support initiatives, will receive Rs.239.85 crore. The fisheries sector has been granted Rs.540.19 crore, while animal husbandry has been given Rs.1,112.07 crore, supporting livestock development and veterinary care services.

Recognizing the importance of water management for agriculture, the Water Resources Department has been allocated Rs.12,903.41 crore to improve irrigation facilities across the state. Under the NTR Jalasiri Scheme, Rs.50 crore has been sanctioned to support water conservation projects. The free agricultural electricity scheme, a critical support system for farmers, has been allocated Rs.12,773.25 crore to ensure uninterrupted power supply for irrigation.

Minister Atchannaidu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Andhra Pradesh a model agricultural state. He stated that the government is taking concrete steps toward boosting productivity, ensuring financial security for farmers, and promoting sustainable farming methods.

The 2025-26 agriculture budget prioritizes technological advancements, financial assistance, and irrigation infrastructure, ensuring that farmers remain at the heart of the state’s growth strategy. With a record allocation of Rs.48,341.14 crore, Andhra Pradesh aims to strengthen its position as a leading agrarian economy in India.