Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a shining example of agricultural success, recording a remarkable 8.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in agriculture and allied sectors for the year 2024–25 far ahead of the national average. The announcement was made by Governor S. Abdul Nazeer during the 57th convocation ceremony of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University in Krishna district, where he praised the state’s farmers, researchers, and government for their combined efforts in driving this growth.
At the national level, India registered a record-breaking 353.95 million tonnes of foodgrain production this year a 6.5% increase compared to last year. Andhra Pradesh played a crucial role in this achievement, contributing significantly with high yields of rice, maize, and other key crops. The state’s performance has strengthened not just farmer incomes but also the nation’s food security.
In addition to its success in traditional agriculture, Andhra Pradesh has made impressive strides in horticulture. The state produced 275.13 lakh metric tonnes of horticultural crops from 15.98 lakh hectares of land, placing it among the top five states in India for overall horticultural output. It currently leads the country in the production of chilli, cocoa, and mango, supported by modern cultivation practices and scientific advancements in farming.
Governor Nazeer emphasized the importance of focusing not just on quantity but also on nutritional security and food safety. He called for an increase in the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds to promote balanced diets and reduce dependency on imports. He also encouraged the integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence into farming to improve productivity, market access, and decision-making for farmers.
The state government’s farmer-friendly policies, combined with the adoption of smart farming techniques, are making Andhra Pradesh a national model in agricultural development. The results are visible not only in numbers but also in the rising confidence of the rural economy.
In summary, Andhra Pradesh’s exceptional agricultural growth and record foodgrain output reflect the potential of coordinated efforts between policy, science, and grassroots farming. The state’s success story sets a benchmark for the rest of the country and paves the way for a more food-secure, farmer-empowered India.
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