Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forest and Environment, Pawan Kalyan, has called for a strategic balance between safeguarding the environment and ensuring the economic well-being of farmers. He asserted that development blueprints must be crafted to both protect the planet and boost agricultural incomes.
Coordinated Push for Ambitious Green Target
Kalyan held a review meeting with top officials from the Forest and Horticulture Departments at the State Secretariat in Velagapudi on Wednesday. The primary agenda was the progress of the Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh initiative and the state's ambitious goal of achieving 50 per cent green cover by the year 2047.
He emphasized that all government departments must work in close coordination with the Forest Department to realize this target. Kalyan highlighted the crucial role of the Horticulture Department in expanding the state's green cover effectively.
Diversity in Farming: A Shield for Nature
During the discussions, Kalyan explained that promoting diversity in horticulture acts as a protective shield for the environment. It aids in improving soil fertility and overall biodiversity. He stressed the need to encourage farmers to cultivate a variety of horticultural crops and adopt intercropping practices.
"By growing different plant species together, farmers can improve land productivity while protecting the environment," he stated. The minister also called for awareness campaigns to reduce the dependency on synthetic fertilizers, which would enhance long-term soil health and conserve biodiversity.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Special Chief Secretary Budithi Rajasekhar and PCCF PV Chalapathi Rao.
Kalyan's Upcoming Tour to Pithapuram
In a separate development, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan will embark on a three-day visit to his home constituency of Pithapuram, starting Thursday night. His schedule includes:
- Inaugurating the ‘Pithapuram Sankranti Mahotsavam’ on Friday morning at the RRBHR College grounds.
- Laying foundation stones for various development projects.
- Conducting field visits and reviewing flood-affected areas.
- Holding a law and order review meeting at the District Police Office in Kakinada on January 10.
The three-day Sankranti festival will celebrate Telugu culture through folk, tribal, and classical performances, culminating in a grand musical night.
