Krishna second best in per capita income

Vijayawada : Horticulture crops, which occupy 22 per cent of the total crop area in Krishna district, play a vital role in the economy of the district and helped the district to get second position in the country in terms of per capita income after Haryana. Krishna district achieved per capita income of Rs 1,89,121 in 2017 with the second place after Haryana, which recorded Rs 1,91,000.

Krishna district had per capita income of Rs1,18,961 in 2014 and gradually increased to Rs.1,89,121. Agriculture, horticulture, service sector and industries sectors create wealth and help grow the district and state economy. Thousands of farmers are eking out their livelihood by cultivating horticulture crops in the district.

Horticulture crops are cultivated in 1.12 lakh hectares in the district generating revenue to the farming community. Fruit crops are covered to an extent of 68,886 hectares, plantation crops are in 14,850 hectares, vegetable crops in 12,102 hectares, spices in 12,937 hectares, flower crops covered in an extent of 400 hectares.

Besides, other varieties are cultivated in 3,000 hectares. The State and Central governments are encouraging farmers to opt horticulture and produce variety of fruits, flowers, vegetables and spices.

Mango, guava, sapota, acid lime, banana, papaya, oil palm, coconut, chillies, vegetables and flowers like jasmine, marigold, lilly, crossandra and other varieties are cultivated in the district. Mango, guava, coconut and other fruits are exported to other states.

Krishna district occupies second place in the country per capita income after Haryana, said District Collector B Lakshmikantham. Speaking to The Hans India, the District Collector said the administration is trying to increase the horticulture crop area by another 10,000 acres this kharif and rabi seasons.

He said the government is giving subsidy on various horticulture crops and farmers availing the benefits, he added. Till May 2018, 31 per cent of the targeted area has been covered for fruit and plantation cultivation. The district administration has set the target of 2,379 hectares this year for cultivation of fruits and plantation. Out of which, 739 hectares are covered this season.

During the kharif season in 2017, the district surpassed the targeted area in cultivation of vegetables. The targeted area was 3,083 hectares. But the district covered 3,712 hectares with achievement of 120 per cent, said N Sujata, assistant director of horticulture, Vijayawada region.

During the rabi season 2017, the district covered 4,150 hectares in cultivation of vegetables against the target of 3,507 hectares with achievement of 118 per cent.

Assistant director of horticulture Nuzvid region Ajay Kumar said the guava cultivation is gradually growing in Nuzvid revenue division in recent years.

He said guava is being cultivated in more than 15,000 acres and farmers are trying innovative methods and planting 400 saplings per hectare against the tradition system of only 120 saplings.

Consequently, the yield is also increasing, he added. Ajay Kumar said the horticulture department is giving support for protection of trees from the pest and packing of fruits.