Thu May 22 00:58:01 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has urged officials to focus on promoting natural farming, crop rotation, and horticultural crops while reducing fertilizer use. He aims for a 15% growth rate in allied agricultural sectors through the introduction of new technologies, AI, and expanded marketing facilities. He emphasized timely availability of seeds and fertilizers for the upcoming Kharif season, preventing the sale of spurious products, promoting micro-irrigation, and ensuring tenant farmers have access to loans. Special Chief Secretary (Agriculture) B. Rajashekar echoed the importance of achieving the 15% growth target, highlighting the need for optimized crops and yields based on local conditions, facilitated by new technologies and AI.

## News Article:

**Andhra Pradesh Aims for 15% Agricultural Growth Through Natural Farming and Tech Integration**

*VIJAYAWADA, May 22, 2025* – The Andhra Pradesh government is setting ambitious goals for its agricultural sector, targeting a 15% growth rate in allied industries through a combination of traditional farming methods and cutting-edge technology. Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has directed officials to prioritize natural farming, crop rotation, and the cultivation of horticultural crops, aiming to reduce reliance on fertilizers.

During a video conference with agriculture and allied department officials, Minister Atchannaidu emphasized the need to adopt new technologies and artificial intelligence to lower cultivation costs, improve yield quality, and expand marketing opportunities. He stressed the importance of making seeds and fertilizers readily available to farmers during the upcoming Kharif season, while also implementing measures to prevent the sale of counterfeit products.

“We must encourage farmers to shift from traditional crops to more profitable horticultural and commercial ventures,” said Atchannaidu. “By embracing natural farming, promoting micro-irrigation, and providing timely access to services through Rythu Seva Kendras, we can empower our farmers to thrive.”

Special Chief Secretary (Agriculture) B. Rajashekar reinforced the government’s commitment to the agricultural sector. “The government has high hopes for developing the primary sector,” he stated. “We must optimize crops and yields in line with local conditions, extensively leveraging new technologies and artificial intelligence. Dedicated apps will be developed to facilitate this process.”

The government is also focusing on ensuring tenant farmers have access to credit through CCRS cards. The initiatives aim to revitalize the agricultural sector in Andhra Pradesh, making it more sustainable, efficient, and profitable for farmers.

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