Action plan submitted to CM for making Ananta horticulture hub

Anantapur: The department of Horticulture has submitted an action plan to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu suggesting ways and interventions for the district to emerge as horticulture hub.

As part of the action plan, area expansion of horticulture crops including banana, grapes, pomegranate and Banginapalli variety mango and bringing every acre of horticulture crops under drip irrigation apart from sinking of farm ponds as part of water conservation measures.

The department of Horticulture has initiated steps for boosting the area of cultivation and production. As of now, 20 tonnes of banana production is being increased to 60 tonnes and papaya from 60 tonnes to 100 tonnes. As on today, 40 per cent of fruits including banana, Papaya and pomegranate are being exported. These are of high value.

Deputy Director of Horticulture Subbarayudu told The Hans India that Rs 32 crore have been invested on drip irrigation. About 1.05 lakh acres are being additionally brought under the expansion scheme to boost exports and production in the district.

About 300 acres had been brought under shade net nurseries and 650 acres under mulching. Also, 48 crores have been spent on micro-irrigation and an additional 30,000 acres of land had been brought under drip irrigation as part of area expansion plan. Old drip irrigation systems are being repaired with 50 percent subsidy.

Mechanization of farm implements and updating of production boosting methods. Also, corporate shopping malls including Big Basket, Fresh Cart, Icova, INI Farms, Leaf and Future Group etc were being roped in for tie-up with farmers as part of measures initiated for marketing and export of horticulture products.

The INI and Future Group has tied-up with farmers in Kalyandurg, Kambadur and Bommanahal mandals and raising banana plantations in 500 acres and pomegranate in 120 acres. Export of banana is being boosted from 600 metric tonnes to 10,000 metric tonnes.

Farmers Producers Organisations and Companies numbering about 206 are engaged in marketing of agro-farm products including horticulture fruits, fisheries, sericulture and agriculture products. Highway Bazaars are also being planned to enable farmers to market their produce
easily. One organic farmer Parthasaradhy is opening a highway bazaar at Marur village in Raptadu mandal.

By Ravi P Benjamin