CM Naidu calls for mobile Rythu Bazaars, upgrade of existing markets

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to introduce mobile Rythu Bazaars and to formulate a master plan for upgrading existing ones.

Upgrading 218 market committees

The goal, he said, is to ensure remunerative prices for agricultural produce and to benefit both farmers and consumers. He emphasised that the sites of the 218 market committees across the state should be put to more effective use.

The Chief Minister held a review meeting on agriculture and allied sectors at the Secretariat on Thursday. During the session, he also discussed the PM Dhana Dhanya Krishi Yojana, which is set to be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11.

Use cold chain infrastructure to avoid loss in sales

Highlighting the need for coordination, the Chief Minister stated that the agriculture and marketing departments must work together to deliver tangible benefits to both producers and consumers.

Referring to the recent fall in tomato prices in Pattikonda, he urged market committee officials to act swiftly in such cases, either by transporting the produce to Rythu Bazaars or leveraging cold chain infrastructure to avoid distress sales.

He also underlined the necessity of upgrading infrastructure in market committees across the state.

Use less urea and pesticides

The Chief Minister called on officials to raise awareness among farmers about minimising the excessive use of urea and pesticides.

During the meeting, officials informed him that 23 lakh metric tonnes of urea are available for the Rabi season. In response, the Chief Minister directed that soil testing should be completed and plans developed to supply the required micro-nutrients based on test results.

Aadhaar must for fertiliser distribution

He said Aadhaar authentication must be made mandatory for fertiliser distribution to ensure transparency.

This year, the state expects a crop yield of 90.91 lakh metric tonnes, which is a 44 per cent increase compared to last year. The Chief Minister said that proper record-keeping and monitoring of urea distribution to farmers and tenant farmers is essential.

Crops that offer higher profitability

Referring to the PM Dhana Dhanya Krishi Yojana, the Chief Minister said that farmers should be encouraged to grow crops that offer higher profitability.

He noted that the Central government has committed to procuring 100 per cent of pulses and urged officials to study how Karnataka has advanced in sericulture, producing eight times more than Andhra Pradesh.

Monitoring vegetable prices

He advised exploring the possibility of collaborating with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for support in agritech and sericulture.

He also stressed the importance of monitoring vegetable prices and guiding farmers to grow crops that are in high market demand.

He recommended supplying such produce to food processing units to prevent price crashes and ensure farmers earn stable incomes. The Chief Minister emphasised the promotion of natural farming practices and reducing dependency on chemical fertilisers. He highlighted the need to ensure remunerative prices for forest products, particularly to benefit tribal communities, and called for value addition to such products.