Amaravati, March 13 – The Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government jointly transferred ₹2,670 crore directly into the bank accounts of 46.85 lakh farmers in Andhra Pradesh on Friday under the PM-Kisan – Annadata Sukheebhava scheme.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu participated in the third installment fund release programme of PM-Kisan – Annadata Sukheebhava, held at Surampalli in the Gannavaram constituency of Krishna district.
He, along with farmers, virtually watched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address from Guwahati.
The Prime Minister released the 22nd installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi for farmers across the country.
He stated that he was very pleased that this scheme is proving to be of great help to small farmers across the country.
Under Annadata Sukheebhava, every eligible farmer in Andhra Pradesh receives an annual financial assistance of ₹20,000.
The central government provides ₹6,000 under the PM Kisan scheme, while the state government provides ₹14,000.
The Chief Minister stated that the NDA-led state government is focusing on farmer welfare and is committed to modernizing the agricultural sector using technology.
Saying that he is the son of a farmer and has a complete understanding of agriculture, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that the Pattiseema project ensured irrigation water for the Krishna delta and stabilized agriculture.
"Now, we are committed to completing the Polavaram project, which is the lifeline of the state," the Chief Minister said, adding that the state government's goal is to bring modernization to agriculture.
Technologies such as seed sowing through drones and drip irrigation are being promoted, he added.
The state government also plans to establish an Indian School of Agriculture, on the lines of the Indian School of Business, to provide farmers with advanced guidance in modern farming methods.
Additionally, a Cocoa City over 500 acres will be established in Eluru district.
The Chief Minister said that apart from financial assistance, the state government has procured 4.7 million metric tonnes of paddy and ensured payments within 24 hours.
Aqua farmers are being supplied electricity at ₹1.50 per unit, he added.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that due to the impact of the ongoing global conflicts, agricultural and poultry products such as bananas and eggs are facing market challenges, and that the state government is exploring alternative markets.