AP unveils Rs. 53,752 cr Agri Budget with focus on agritech

Key Highlights         

■ Rs 53,752.12 crore outlay proposed for Agriculture & Allied Sectors.

■ Focus on water security, technology-driven farming and higher farmer incomes.

■ Integration of AI, IoT, drones, robotics and satellite technology in farming.

■ Nearly 62% of State population dependent on agriculture and allied sectors.

Part of Swarna Andhra-2047 vision, with Farmers Agritech as a growth pillar

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Saturday presented the Agriculture and Allied Sectors Budget for 2026–27 in the State Assembly, proposing an outlay of Rs. 53,752.12 crore with a strong focus on water security, technology-driven farming and improving farmer incomes under a five-point strategy aimed at revitalising the agricultural sector.

Presenting the budget for the third time, the Minister paid tribute to farmers, describing them as the backbone of food security and rural livelihoods. He said the government’s objective is to elevate the farmer to the status of a king by transforming agriculture into a profitable and sustainable profession.

The budget forms part of the State’s Swarna Andhra-2047 vision, which identifies Farmers Agritech as a key growth pillar. The government plans to integrate artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), drones, robotics and satellite-based technologies into farming practices to improve productivity and reduce risks. Atchannaidu said agriculture must become profitable to strengthen rural economies, noting that nearly 62% of the State’s population depends on agriculture and allied activities.

Under the “Rythanna Mee Kosam” initiative, the government will implement a five-pronged approach focusing on water security, demand-driven crop cultivation, agritech adoption, food processing expansion and sustained government support. The Minister emphasised measures to minimise post-harvest losses, ensure remunerative prices and promote crop planning at the Rythu Seva Kendra level. Early Kharif cultivation is also being encouraged in Krishna and Godavari delta regions to reduce cyclone-related crop damage.

Ensuring irrigation access remains a central priority, with the government aiming to complete major projects including Polavaram, Veligonda, Handri Neeva, Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi and other lift irrigation schemes. The goal, the Minister said, is to provide assured irrigation to every cultivable acre and reduce farmers’ dependence on uncertain monsoons.

The budget proposes ₹6,600 crore for the Annadata Sukhibhava-PM Kisan scheme, benefiting lakhs of farmer families. Crop insurance has been allocated Rs. 250 crore, while farm mechanisation programmes, including subsidised equipment and drone centres, will be expanded to improve efficiency.

In allied sectors, allocations include Rs. 1,121 crore for animal husbandry, Rs. 523 crore for fisheries development and ₹515 crore for agricultural marketing initiatives aimed at price stabilisation and modernisation of Rythu Bazaars. Cooperative institutions will be strengthened through digital transformation and warehouse infrastructure expansion.

The Minister noted that Andhra Pradesh’s agriculture sector recorded a growth rate of 7.83%, significantly higher than the national average. The State contributes nearly 10% to India’s agricultural output, reflecting the impact of ongoing reforms.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Atchannaidu said the budget seeks to attract youth towards agriculture by making it a viable and profitable career. “When agriculture prospers, rural economies strengthen and the State moves towards sustainable prosperity,” he said.