Pawan Kalyan unveils horticulture plan to transform Rayalaseema's development trajectory

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has unveiled a comprehensive horticulture development programme designed to reshape Rayalaseema's economic fortunes and move beyond its reputation as a chronically drought-affected area. The multi-phase initiative emerged from extensive consultations with farming communities during Kalyan's Yuva Galam Padayatra through the region, said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's aide Nara Lokesh.

The initiative aims to benefit approximately 9.6 lakh farmers across Rayalaseema through enhanced horticultural production and diversified agricultural practices. A key component involves creating 9 lakh acres of new irrigated agricultural land (ayacut) while simultaneously stabilising an additional 4.3 lakh acres of existing cultivated area, according to the announcement.

The horticulture hub plan reflects the state government's strategy to address long-standing agricultural challenges in the region through value-added crop production rather than conventional farming. By focusing on high-yield horticultural crops, the programme aims to enhance farmer incomes while ensuring sustainable water resource utilisation across Rayalaseema's three districts.

Locals and agricultural stakeholders have welcomed the initiative as a significant step toward economic transformation. The scheme is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities in both farming and allied agricultural sectors, potentially changing the region's developmental narrative from chronic drought vulnerability to agricultural prosperity.