Chandrababu conducts agricultural review in AP

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said that as opposed to a district-wise approach, the agriculture department should follow a cluster wise approach and organise the data in an integrated way.

"In a PPP mode, you must engage services to take care of all aspects of horticulture, from pre-harvest to post-harvest", he said.

Andhra Pradesh is the top spice producing state, followed by Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana and Karnataka.

The state is the second largest silk-producing state in India. Ananthapur and Chittoor are predominantly leading districts in the state.

Mulberry trees have been widely planted, and have achieved 123 percent of the target already. Innovative practices like installation of Turbo Ventilators and Cooling Systems with foggers are being implemented to improve the productivity.

The livestock sector has contributed to 9.32 percent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during year 2016-17. This financial year, the Gross Value Added (GVA) has increased with an increase in production of milk, meat and eggs.

The growth indicators are silage distributed area under fodder production, induction of new animals, vaccination of animals, artificial insemination and animals covered under preventive treatment.

Major schemes that are being implemented are Silage Production Scheme, fodder (30,000 acres) security under Oorura Pasu Graasa Kshetraalu (OPGK) and training of 13,000 women from Self-Help Groups (SHG) as "Pashumitras".

Up to the second quarter of this year, the fisheries sector has witnessed a massive growth rate of 42.77 percent. The Chief Minister said that this is the sector that has tremendous potential, and we must aim to become the aqua cultural hub of the world.

The state has achieved 102 percent of the target for the production of fish and prawn, and 84 percent of the target for area of expansion for aquaculture.

The two major challenges in this sector are to prevent and control pollution and antibiotic residues.

The Chief Minister instructed the officials to consult with world leaders in this sector, and find out the best practices used to increase productivity, without causing pollution. "Speak to countries that are leading in this sector, and hire consultants to ensure that we can yield the maximum in the aqua cultural sector", he added.