Andhra Pradesh Minister of Agriculture, Cooperation and Marketing Kinjarapu Atchannaidu held a series of high-level meetings in New Delhi on Tuesday with Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, seeking enhanced Central support for agriculture, farmers’ welfare, industrial development, and the State’s overall growth.

Mr. Atchannaidu was accompanied by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. He explained them Andhra Pradesh’s political situation, development priorities and the coalition government’s initiatives to strengthen agriculture, improve farmers’ incomes and accelerate economic growth.

Mr. Atchannaidu, during his meeting with Mr. Chouhan, sought greater Central assistance to ensure remunerative prices for farmers, strengthen procurement and marketing systems, expand storage and cold chain infrastructure, promote food processing and value-added agriculture, and improve market linkages. The State government was ensuring timely supply of quality seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, while taking proactive steps to avoid disruptions during the cropping season, he said.

Stressing that agriculture remained the backbone of the State’s economy, Mr. Atchannaidu highlighted the importance of supporting horticulture, dairy, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture, as well as encouraging mechanisation, digital agriculture, drone technology, and water-efficient farming, particularly for small and marginal farmers.

He also sought enhanced support for crop insurance and compensation to farmers affected by droughts, floods, cyclones and other natural calamities. Mr. Chouhan appreciated the State’s initiatives and responded positively to its requests.

Mr. Atchannaidu, in his meeting with Mr. Srinivasa Varma, discussed agricultural development, industrialisation and rural economic growth, highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s investment potential, infrastructure, ports, coastline and skilled workforce. 

He emphasised the need for closer Centre-State cooperation to promote industry alongside agriculture for balanced development. Mr. Srinivasa Varma assured continued Central support, while Mr. Atchannaidu reiterated the coalition government’s commitment to making agriculture more profitable, improving farmers’ incomes and accelerating Andhra Pradesh’s economic development.

Shrimp feed manufacturing companies on Wednesday agreed to put on hold the proposed increase in the prices of feed following the intervention of Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu.

During a video-conference with the industry representatives, aqua farmers’ associations and officials, Mr. Atchannaidu raised concern over the financial burden the proposed increase would place on thousands of aqua farmers across the State. He objected to the “unilateral price hikes” and warned companies against “doing business over the hardship of farmers.” He further said the aquaculture sector was already facing several challenges, and the government would not allow any additional burden on the farmers.

Responding, the Shrimp Feed Manufacturers’ Association said the revised prices would not be implemented immediately. It, however, explained that rising raw material costs had forced it to consider revising feed prices and said the decision to defer the hike was taken in deference to the Minister’s suggestions and guidance.

Mr. Atchannaidu said the coalition government’s priority was to protect farmers’ interests and ensure the sustainability of the aqua sector. He announced that a joint meeting, involving farmers, feed manufacturers and officials, would be held on May 15 to evolve a mutually acceptable solution. He assured the aqua farmers that the government would extend full support to the sector and remain committed to resolving their issues.

Senior officials from the Fisheries Department, research institutions, universities, shrimp farmers and feed manufacturing companies participated in the video-conference.

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu says that the State government has made arrangements to ensure farmers receive adequate seed, fertilizers and irrigation support for the ensuing Kharif-2026 season.

“The government is implementing an ‘advance action plan’ to avoid inconvenience to the farmers and ensure timely agricultural operations across the State,” Mr. Atchannaidu said in Friday.

The Andhra Pradesh State Seed Development Corporation would supply 7.46 lakh quintals of subsidised seed under a ₹294-crore programme during 2026-27. Distribution of subsidised paddy, groundnut, millet and pulse seeds would begin in phases from May 15 through the Rythu Seva Kendras, he added.

Mr. Atchannaidu said all seeds supplied through the AP Seeds were undergoing quality tests in laboratory before distribution. Green manure seeds would also be supplied at 50% subsidy to improve soil health.

There would be no shortage of fertilizers during the kharif season, he assured. Andhra Pradesh had 7.77 lakh tonnes of fertilizer stock available, including urea, DAP and complex fertilizers, he said, and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone creating artificial shortage or resort to overpricing.

The government also finalised a comprehensive irrigation plan in coordination with the Water Resources Department. Water release for cultivation would begin in phases from May 15, after review of reservoir levels and canal maintenance works.

Mr. Atchannaidu said the State provided irrigation water to a record 99.35 lakh acres during the previous kharif season and assured that the government was fully prepared to support farmers this year as well.