Farmers’ Welfare Core to Nation’s Growth, Says Minister Atchannaidu at PMDDKY Launch

Minister highlights Andhra Pradesh’s role in PM Modi’s nationwide agri initiatives worth ₹42,000 crore

Guntur, October 12, 2025 — Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu on Saturday said that farmers’ welfare is the cornerstone of national development, reaffirming that the “double-engine government” of the Centre and the State remains committed to implementing farmer-centric programmes that strengthen rural livelihoods and the agri economy.

The Minister was addressing a gathering at Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) in Guntur during the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launch of the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and the Pulses Self-Reliance Mission from New Delhi.

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Nationwide Agri Push Worth ₹42,000 Crore

Atchannaidu said the two newly launched central schemes would empower farmers economically, enhance food and protein security, and encourage pulse cultivation across India.

He noted that the Union government had rolled out projects worth ₹42,000 crore across agriculture, fisheries, and allied sectors, underlining its commitment to comprehensive rural development. “Diversified cropping will be promoted in 100 districts through 30 integrated schemes designed to double farmers’ income,” he said.

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Focus on Andhra Pradesh’s Agri Districts

Highlighting the state-specific component, Atchannaidu said four districts in Andhra Pradesh — Alluri Sitharama Raju, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, and Annamayya — have been selected under PMDDKY.

The programme, spread over six years, will focus on post-harvest management, quality enhancement, and building market linkages. “The government will procure pulses at Minimum Support Price (MSP), distribute high-yielding seed varieties, and promote value addition to improve profitability for farmers,” the Minister said.

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Vision 2047: From Food Security to Export Competitiveness

Urging farmers to diversify crops and embrace natural farming, Atchannaidu encouraged them to adopt export-oriented cultivation practices to align with India’s Vision 2047 goals for agricultural transformation.

He stressed that sustainable and technology-driven farming would not only boost productivity but also open up new global markets for Indian produce.

Supporting his remarks, Prathipadu MLA Burla Ramanjaneyulu praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for their leadership in ensuring that agriculture remains a national priority. He added that both governments are “working in tandem to double farmers’ income and make Indian agriculture globally competitive.”