Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the Global Horticulture Hub will strengthen the horticulture sector and create better opportunities for farmers in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.
Ms Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for the Rayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub project and the Indian School of Agriculture at Madanapalle in Annamayya district today. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan were present on the occasion.
Speaking at the event, the Finance Minister said the Centre and the State are working together to develop Andhra Pradesh as a major horticulture centre. She stressed the need for better water management, modern technology and infrastructure to support farmers and improve their incomes.
The Finance Minister highlighted Central Government schemes, including PM-KISAN, crop insurance and PM-KUSUM. She also said climate-resilient crop varieties and solar-powered farm pumps are being promoted.
The Union Minister said the Indian School of Agriculture will help farmers adopt modern technology, scientific methods and research. She expressed hope that the institution will develop into a world-class centre.
The Global Horticulture Hub will cover ten districts and promote crops including mango, banana, tomato and pomegranate. The project will be implemented in three phases, with an estimated investment of about one lakh crore rupees.
