Andhra Minister Urges Crop Diversification to Protect Farmers from Paddy Losses
In a significant appeal to the Assembly, Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has called for discouraging indiscriminate paddy cultivation across Andhra Pradesh. The minister emphasized that this move is crucial to prevent crop losses and shield farmers from financial distress, responding to queries raised by legislators during the session.
Addressing Market Gluts and Water Concerns
Atchannaidu highlighted that while water availability often encourages farmers to take up paddy, unplanned expansion of this crop leads to market gluts and poor returns. He urged farmers to gradually shift towards horticulture crops, which offer better price realisation and higher income potential. "Farmers should take informed decisions and not rush into paddy cultivation merely because water is available," he stated, stressing the need for crop diversification based on scientific planning.
The minister outlined that this planning should consider soil conditions, market demand, and long-term sustainability. He assured that the government is ready to extend support to farmers who opt for alternative crops with better revenue prospects, as part of a clear action plan formulated by the coalition government to enhance farmers' incomes.
Current Paddy Cultivation and Groundwater Depletion
Revealing key statistics, Atchannaidu said that in the 2025–26 crop year, 38.97 lakh farmers are cultivating paddy in the state—26.94 lakh during kharif and 12.03 lakh during rabi. With groundwater depletion becoming a concern in high paddy-growing regions, the government is actively promoting pulses, millets, and oilseeds. This promotion includes:
- Awareness programmes to educate farmers on benefits
- Supply of quality seeds for alternative crops
- Technical guidance on cultivation practices
- Marketing support to ensure better returns
A certified seed production plan is being implemented with support from Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University to provide modern, high-yielding varieties to farmers. Atchannaidu stressed that changing food habits, market demand, and water availability make crop diversification essential for the agricultural sector's future.
Focus on Horticulture and Financial Incentives
The minister clarified that the government is not asking farmers to completely stop paddy cultivation but is encouraging a shift to quality and export-oriented varieties. In the first phase, crop diversion will be taken up in 15 lakh hectares from Rayalaseema to Prakasam district, with the goal of developing the region into a horticulture hub. Plans are underway to mobilise ₹30,000 crore from the Centre and ₹70,000 crore from private players for horticulture development.
Atchannaidu pointed out the stark profit differences: while paddy yields an average profit of ₹6,000 per acre annually, red gram fetches ₹26,000, black gram ₹21,000, jowar ₹16,000, and oil palm up to ₹1.5 lakh per acre. To incentivize diversification, farmers will be provided:
- Free oil palm saplings for planting
- Drip and sprinkler systems for efficient irrigation
- Technical support from agricultural experts
- Assured procurement through government channels
Additionally, a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2,400 has been announced for maize, with procurement facilitated through Markfed to ensure market stability.
Operational Plans and Government Support
With reservoirs currently holding 90% water, the minister called for advancing the kharif season by 2 months and launching village-level awareness drives from May. He also highlighted that 9.13 lakh tenant farmers were issued Cultivator's Credit Cards (CCRCs), and loans worth ₹4,474 crore were sanctioned, reiterating the government's commitment to sustainable agriculture and higher farm incomes.
Atchannaidu's appeal underscores a strategic shift towards resilient farming practices, aiming to balance agricultural productivity with economic viability and environmental sustainability in Andhra Pradesh.
