Chandrababu Naidu, Nirmala Sitharaman lay foundation stone for project and Indian School of Agriculture; initiative aims to expand cultivation, boost production and benefit 9.6 lakh farmers
Madanapalle, Oct 2026 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced an ambitious plan to transform drought-prone Rayalaseema into a prosperous horticulture hub through a proposed investment of Rs 1 lakh crore, envisaging higher agricultural production, expanded cultivation and improved irrigation facilities.
Naidu, along with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, laid the foundation stone for the Global Horticulture Hub and the Indian School of Agriculture (ISA) at Madanapalle in Annamayya district. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh also addressed the gathering.
The Global Horticulture Hub will be implemented in three phases, with the Centre contributing Rs 40,352 crore. The state government will seek to mobilise around Rs 60,000 crore in private-sector investments to support the project.
According to officials, the initiative will cover 10 districts: Anantapur, Annamayya, Chittoor, Kurnool, Nandyal, Sri Sathya Sai, Tirupati, Kadapa, Prakasam and Markapuram. Development activities will be undertaken through 201 clusters spread across 303 mandals and 5,869 villages.
The government plans to increase the existing horticulture cultivation area of 8.41 lakh hectares by an additional six lakh hectares, taking the total area to 14.41 lakh hectares. Horticultural production is expected to rise from the current 222 lakh tonnes to 435 lakh tonnes, with an estimated 9.6 lakh farmers set to benefit directly.
The project also envisages creating an additional ayacut of nine lakh acres and stabilising irrigation facilities across 4.3 lakh acres, strengthening agricultural activity in a region that has long faced water scarcity.
Addressing the gathering, Naidu said the project would help fulfil the government’s promise to improve the fortunes of Rayalaseema farmers and create new economic opportunities in the region.
He said farmers would be able to cultivate a wider range of crops, including apples, strawberries, bananas, avocados, kiwis and dates. With improved irrigation, modern technology and investment, he expressed confidence that Rayalaseema could emerge as a global “fruit bowl”.
The Chief Minister thanked the Centre for its support, specifically acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sitharaman for their contribution to the initiative. He also praised the Union Finance Minister for extending financial assistance to the state.
Naidu said the foundation stone for the Indian School of Agriculture marked another important step towards strengthening agricultural education and research. Comparing its proposed role with that of leading management and technical institutions, he said the ISA would develop skilled professionals and future leaders in agriculture, with a particular focus on the horticulture sector.
Highlighting Rayalaseema’s historical water challenges, Naidu noted that Anantapur is among the country’s driest districts and had previously experienced desert-like conditions. He said irrigation projects initiated by former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao were subsequently completed to address regional hardships.
The state government had also promoted technologies such as drip irrigation and introduced water-conservation measures to improve groundwater levels, he said.
Recalling the recognition he has received during his five-decade political career, Naidu said he had earlier been called the “Hi-tech CM” and “CEO CM”, while being recognised now as the “Water Man” brought him particular satisfaction.
The Global Horticulture Hub is expected to combine expanded cultivation, irrigation improvements, investment and agricultural education to support long-term development across Rayalaseema.
