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AGRICULTURE BUDGET 2017-2018

Hon’ble Speaker Sir and Hon’ble members

I rise to present the Agriculture Budget for 2017-18. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our beloved Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu garu and this august house for providing me an opportunity to present the separate budget for Agriculture and allied sectors for 4th consecutive year and I take pride in presenting first Agriculture budget in our new Assembly at Amaravathi.

ఇది ర�ైతు రక్షణ ప్రభుత్వం

ఇది ర�ైతు శ్రేయోదాయక ప్రభుత్వం

ఇది భారతదేశ చరిత్రలో తొలిసారిగా

వ్యవసాయ బడ్జెట్ ను ప్రవేశపెట్టిన ప్రభుత్వం

ర�ైతన్న సవంక్షేమమే మన శా్స... ధా్యస... ఆశ

ఆ ర�ైతును రాజుగా చేసే సదాశయవంతో...

సత్సoకల్వంతో... సవినయవంగా

వ్యవసాయ బడ్జెట్ ను మీ మువందు సమరి్సుతు నా్నను.

The farmers of Andhra Pradesh have shown their commitment and resilience in the current year. The Andhra Pradesh state agricultural performance during the kharif 2016 is quite remarkable. Andhra Pradesh farmers’ capabilities for management of droughts and

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famines have also been creditable. I am happy to inform this august house that Agriculture and Allied Sectors are poised to achieved a growth rate of 14% during 2016-17, as per advance estimates.

Development of Agriculture sector is the primary concern of this Government. Our Government is committed in addressing key concerns by bringing Agriculture and allied sectors under one umbrella to effectively drive Primary sector forward under mission mode approach.

The present situation in agriculture richly deserves a renewed attention as farmers continue to be vulnerable to monsoon failures and their incomes badly affected intermittently. This requires climate resilient and sustainable practices to transform Agriculture cost effective and profitable. In order to address the problems of agriculture, our Government is keen to adopt innovative policies and technology interventions.

AGRICULTURE

In spite of 28.5% deficit rainfall and prolonged dry spells, the food grain production estimated (Second advance estimates) is 156.85 LMTs during 2016-17 as against 143.78 LMTs with 9.2% increase over 2015-16. There is 2.85% increase in pulses production during 2016-17 which is estimated at 12.64 LMTs as against 12.29 LMTs in 2015-16. The targeted production of Summer Pulses will further increase Pulse Production in 2016-17. During kharif, paddy has recorded an all-time highest productivity of 5200 Kgs/ Ha. Similarly maize & cotton have recorded considerable increase in productivity.

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These results could be achieved on prioritizing low productivity large areas and demonstration of high productivity low cost technologies in farmers’ fields. At present Andhra Pradesh State stands 1st in maize & black gram productivity & 3rd in paddy productivity in the country. Long term strategies, crop wise have been worked out to become number one in major crops in the country with a vision to reach best in the world.

Stabilizing Krishna delta through Pattiseema project: Our Honourable Chief Minister made Pattiseema project a reality as Andhra Pradesh has become the first state to interlink the Godavari and Krishna rivers which stabilized 10 lakh acres in the Krishna Delta and facilitated in harvesting bumper yields during kharif 2016. The water saved here, was diverted from Srisailam Reservoir to drought prone Rayalaseema Region. A kind of happiness could be seen among the farmers as they could realize more net income during this season. Our Government is proud for this achievement under the dynamic leadership of our farmer friendly Hon’ble Chief Minister.

ఎవండకు ఎవండుతూ.. వానకు తడుస్తు ..

చుక్కపొ దుదు న లేచి నడిరాత్్ర వరకు

ఆరుగాలవం శరేమిస్తు గడియారవం ములులు తో

పో ట్ పడి తన చ్మట చుక్కలతో భూమిని

తడిపి పవంటను పవండివంచే నిరవంతర శరాే మికుడు కర్షకుడు

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Drought proofing of Rain fed areas: Drought proofing techniques adopted have created confidence among the farmers of rain fed areas particularly of Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts by giving protective irrigation through Rain guns to an extent of 6.27 lakh acres by deploying 13334 Rain guns, equal number of Sprinklers, 3.5 Lakh Water Carrying Pipes and 8560 Oil engines. Due to this intervention, production of 15.19 Lakh Qtls. worth Rs. 538 Cr was saved.

Andhra Pradesh Drought Mitigation Project (APDMP)

Our Government have approved Andhra Pradesh Drought Mitigation Project (APDMP) for drought proofing and mitigating the distress of farmers in the 5 chronically drought affected districts of Ananthapuramu, Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool and Prakasam over a period of five years. This project is envisaged to improve the income of 1.65 Lakh farm house holds and strengthen their resilience to drought with an outlay of about Rs. 1100 Cr, out of which about Rs. 500 Cr is being funded by International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD).

Andhra Pradesh Integrated Irrigation And Agriculture Transformation Project (APII&ATP)

Our Government has proposed Andhra Pradesh Integrated Irrigation and Agriculture Transformation Project (APII&ATP) funded by World Bank which would be implemented over a period of 6 years, providing benefits to 2 lakh farming families covering 1.47 lakh Ha of agriculture land in 1,211 tank command areas. The total estimated project cost is Rs. 1,600 Cr.

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Soil Health cards: Andhra Pradesh stood first for the second consecutive year in the country by distributing Soil Health Cards to 42 lakh farmers with soil test based recommendations and by the end of June, 2017 all the farmers in the state would be provided with Soil Health Cards.

We could able to correct micronutrient deficiency in an extent of 17.62 lakh ha as our Government supplied micronutrients on saturation mode approach to harvest higher yields. Andhra Pradesh is the only State to allocate separate Budget for supply of Micronutrients on 50% subsidy.

Procurement and supply of seeds through Aadhar enabled webland based biometric system: Advance procurement of seeds has facilitated timely supply of quality seeds to the farmers. Aadhar enabled webland based biometric system has been introduced for the first time for distribution of Groundnut seed during kharif 2016 and bengalgram during rabi 2016-17 which has enabled transparency and plugged the field level manipulations in seed distribution, and farmers have been assured of seed supply and the drudgery of standing in the long queues for seed in past has become a history now. Steps have been taken to implement the same to distribute all types of seeds during 2017-18 in the entire state. Our Government is focusing on bringing new “Seed Act” for the state to ensure not only the supply of quality seed but also to protect the interests of the farming community. Separate guidelines are issued to ensure quality supply of Seed.

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Community Managed Seed System (CMSS): Village level seed production in farmers’ fields promoted through farmer groups involving NGOs for quality and timely supply of seed locally initiated in Ananthapuramu District has given good results. It has been planned to scale it up in Rayalaseema districts to distribute one lakh quintals of ground nut seed in kharif 2017.

Mega Seed Park: Our Government has initiated the promotion of Mega Seed Park in Kurnool in collaboration with Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, Department of Agriculture and IOWA University, USA.

Promoting Red gram on paddy field bunds for increasing cropping intensity: Red gram cultivation is promoted in 2.43 lakh acres on paddy field bunds and as inter crop in ground nut, cotton and other cereal crops in an extent of 11.4 lakh acres for increasing cropping intensity has given tremendous results as farmers are able to get an additional income of Rs 10000 per Ha.

Promotion of Pre-kharif and Summer Pulses: Promotion of pre - kharif crops with pulses under Nagajuna Sagar Ayacut area in 1.42 lakh acres in Guntur and Prakasam districts facilitated in providing good returns to the farmers. During the ensuing season also it is planned to promote in 3 lakh acres.

In Godavari districts, it is also planned to follow crop discipline and water budgeting, which will enable to take up summer pulses as third crop in an extent of 5 lakh acres and it provides an opportunity to get additional income to the farmers.

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Farm Mechanization: Farm machinery is another major intervention of our Government for providing farm machines to the farmers on 50% to 70% subsidy. More focus has been laid to promote Custom Hiring Centers (CHC) to provide access of the high cost machinery to the tenant and small & marginal farmers. Two hundred CHCs will be established in all districts in collaboration with primary manufacturers on Public Private Partnership. A record amount of Rs 286 Cr has been spent under Farm Mechanization in 2016-17. Under Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a comprehensive convergence livelihood improvement project is proposed with the establishment of two Agriculture Mechanization Training Centers in the state. These training centers would train rural youth and farmers on overall maintenance and operation of all types of farm machinery. The project will also promote 20 Farmers Producer Organizations and 921 Village Farmer Federations in the project area.

Polam Pilusthondi: Polam Pilusthondi continued in 2016-17, covered 64,979 village visits and sensitized 16.92 lakh farmers with appropriate remedial measures and timely suggestions.

Chandranna Rythu Kshetralu: Chandranna Rythu Kshetralu demonstrating best management practices were organized in 51260 ha. Increase in productivity has been observed in all crops ranging from 5 to 20%.

Internet of Things (IOT): All the field level extension functionaries are provided with TABs for effective use of technology in agriculture. e-crop booking of kharif and rabi sown area was completed successfully by recording individual farmer wise and survey no.

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wise crop coverage using TABs, for the first time in the country. IT application has been developed on Pest Information Management System for field diagnosis of pests and diseases and sending quick messages for remedial action. Weather based crop advisories are sent to all the farmers in the form of SMS in Telugu in technical collaboration with Indian Meteorological Department & Agricultural University. Agri – Dashboard is being created to monitor category wise performance indicators on various schemes, Growth engines on real time basis. Farmers book is a software being developed for compilation of all types of benefits extended to each farmer in the State. A satellite based Rice monitoring system in Andhra Pradesh is being developed in coordination with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), ANGRAU, AP Space Application Center and Department of Agriculture. It enables to address the challenges in Crop Insurance through Satellite based yield estimation and forecasting.

Agriculture Credit: To facilitate timely application of inputs, credit facility has been extended by the banks to the tune of Rs. 45,512 Cr as crop loans and Rs.13,018 Cr as term loans to the farmers of Agriculture and allied sectors in 2016-17.

Loan Eligibility Cards (LEC): Our Government is extending helping hand to tenant farmers by issuing Loan Eligibility Cards. An amount of Rs. 202.22 Cr of crop loans, covering 80,082 tenant farmers was distributed during 2016-17. The Department of Agriculture is also issuing Certificate of Cultivation (COC) to tenant farmers who are unable to get the LECs to facilitate them to get crop loans. Credit

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flow to tenant farmers is high priority of our Government and steps will be taken to increase the credit facility to them.

Debt Redemption: An amount of Rs 3024 Cr including 10% interest has been released towards 2nd installment under Agriculture Debt Redemption Scheme and 8.57 Lakh farmers grievances have been settled so far. During 2016-17 an amount of Rs 384.47 Cr has been released to 2.23 lakh Horticulture farmer accounts.

Promoting Organic farming/Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): Another major initiative of our Government is in promoting Organic farming/ZBNF to reduce the cost of cultivation, reduce risks, to increase productivity and net income to farmers in 131 clusters to cover 1.25 lakh ha and 1.25 lakh farmers in 704 villages across the state. In each cluster one Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is being promoted. 100 more clusters are planned in 2017-18.

A tripartite MOU has been concluded with Department of Agriculture, Rythu Sadhikara Samstha and Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI). The APPI has agreed to provide Rs 100 Cr for promotion of Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh.

Our Government is keen in improving livelihood of farmers by increasing farm income in convergence with other line departments like Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Rural development, Energy etc. The Department of Agriculture is working in close coordination with Irrigation Department for water budgeting, optimum utilization of water resources for increasing cropping intensity and productivity.

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Hon’ble Speaker Sir,

We shall continue to undertake many more measures to ensure that the fruits of growth reach the small, marginal and tenant farmers. Our Government is committed to achieve double digit growth in Agriculture.

“రాష్ట ్ర ప్రభుత్వ సంకల్ం – లాభసాటిగా వ్యవసాయం – ర�ైతు సంక్షేమము”.

The total budget for Agriculture during 2017-18 is proposed at Rs 4355 Cr under non-plan expenditure and Rs 1170 Cr under plan expenditure.

In Integrated Nutrient management, micronutrient deficiencies will be corrected by supply of micronutrients for improving the crop yields. An amount of Rs 61 Cr is proposed for this purpose.

Effective utilization of both ground water and surface water through different conservation mechanisms are adopted for sustainable yields. For this purpose an amount of Rs 10 Cr is proposed.

Our Government is promoting organic and natural farming to create sustainable farm livelihoods and reduce cost of cultivation by proposing Rs 25 Cr in the budget.

To meet increasing demand of farm machinery, an amount of Rs 147 Cr is proposed for farm mechanization, so as to achieve the better yields, by timely completing the land preparation, sowings, transplantation and harvesting.

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Continuous capacity building of field functionaries of department is focused. Our Government has taken special efforts for strengthening Extension activities by proposing Rs 62 Cr.

Our Government is organizing ‘Polam Pilusthondi’, an extension programme and demonstration of best practices through “Chandranna Rythu Kshetralu” for higher productivity and an amount of Rs 17 Cr is proposed.

During this year Government is giving top priority to Internet of Things (IOT) in agriculture for crop booking, monitoring, crop and weather advisory and marketing linkage. An amount of Rs 5 Cr is proposed.

To ensure timely supply of required quantity of fertilizers during the crop season by maintaining the buffer stocks through AP MARKFED an amount Rs 5 Cr is proposed.

To provide office buildings at district and mandal levels an amount of Rs 5 Cr is proposed.

Our Government is taking special initiatives to ensure timely supply of good quality seed and development of quality seed in coordination with Agriculture University by integrating all state seed farms for breeder seed production. It is proposed to make a provision of Rs 220 Cr.

Vaddileni Runalu: The interest free crop loans are extended to all needy farmers up to Rs. 1.00 lakh, if repaid in time. An amount of Rs 172 Cr is proposed.

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Pavalavaddi: Pavalavaddi is extended for crop loans from Rs.1.00 lakh to Rs. 3.00 lakhs, if repaid in time. An amount of Rs 5 Cr is proposed.

To make the Crop Insurance Scheme more farmer friendly, Pradhan Manthri Fasal Bhima Yojana (PMFBY) will be implemented by suitably modifying the procedures and with an aim of reaching at least 50% farmers. An amount of Rs 269 Cr is proposed.

An amount of Rs 301 Cr is proposed towards the 40% share to be contributed by state Government in Centrally Assisted State Development Schemes.

Debt Redemption: In accordance with the commitment of this Government to bring out the farmers from the debt trap and to mitigate their hardship an amount of Rs 3600 Cr has been proposed towards payment of third installment.

“We are committed to achieve double digit growth in agriculture and for this we will utilize advanced technology and research with focus on cost reduction and higher productivity and there by increasing the net income to the farmers.”

ACHARYA NG RANGA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY (ANGRAU)

ANGRAU is striving hard to make agriculture a profitable and sustainable profession through its major mandate of Education, Research and Extension in the fields of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Technology and Home Science. The Govt. of India have released Rs. 123 Cr so far for establishment of Agricultural University at Lam, Guntur. The Faculty Block, which is the first building at Lam under the new campus will be ready in March, 2017.

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Keeping the demand for agricultural courses and man power requirements in view, the university has increased the number of seats by 25% for all Under Graduate courses from the academic year 2016-17. Two new Government Polytechnics were started at Gantasala in Krishna District and Ramagiri in Anantapuramu district. Diploma in Organic Farming was introduced at RARS, Chintapalli. Six Agricultural Colleges and Nineteen Polytechnics have been established in private sector during 2016-17. The Government has sanctioned Rs. 175 Cr for strengthening of infrastructure in colleges, Rs. 86 Cr for strengthening of infrastructure in research stations and Rs. 23 Cr for strengthening of infrastructure in KVKs in 2016-17.

Seven new crop varieties in pulses, paddy, groundnut, sunflower and cotton were released during this year. To provide good quality seed material in major crops, university has produced 11,926 quintals of breeder seed and 14,430 quintals of foundation seed and supplied to APSSDC, NSC, private seed industry, NGOs and farmers.

The University is regularly issuing short term (Weekly twice) weather based advisories to the farmers of 13 districts. ANGRAU scientists are actively participating in all extension activities with agriculture department.

Lam, Ghantasala, Amadalavalasa and Thangadancha research stations are being developed as pulses seed hubs. Under Creation of Seed-Hub for pulses, three KVKs Viz., Reddipalle, Ghantasala and Amadalavalasa have been identified for increasing the indigenous production of pulses in the country. A new Maize Research Station will be started in this year at Vijayarai, West Godavari District.

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Farmers Call Center was established at RARS, Lam, Guntur for providing agro-advisories to farmers through toll free number.

KVK, Kadapa has received National Level “BEST KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA SAMMAN’ under Mahindra Samriddhi India Agri Awards 2016 and, while KVK, Amadalavalasa has received ICAR ZONAL BEST KVK 2015. An additional New Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Kondempudi in Visakhapatnam district with 16 posts was sanctioned by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). A new scheme to encourage youth in agriculture entitled “Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA)” was sanctioned to the only KVK at Nellore in the state of Andhra Pradesh. For skill development training programmes, six Krishi Vigyan Kendras have been chosen for imparting vocational training.

An amount of Rs. 308 Cr is proposed for strengthening of infrastructure and research activities of the University for 2017-18.

HORTICULTURE

Andhra Pradesh stands top in the country with a strong foundation in Horticulture. The State ranks 1st in the production of oil palm, papaya, coconut and chillies, 2nd in the production of mango & tomato in India. Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Vision is to make Andhra Pradesh as a major Horticulture Hub and aims to bring the existing 20% net sown area to 35% under horticulture in next 3 years.

Our Government has identified horticulture sector as one of the main growth engines under Primary Sector Mission. Horticulture sector has recorded 9.95% growth during 2015-16 and as per

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advance estimates a growth rate of 16.79% will be achieved during 2016-17. Department has set a goal of Rs. 49,845 Cr GVA at current prices for the year 2016-17 with 20.17% growth over previous year. A target of 25% growth is proposed for the year 2017-18.

Andhra Pradesh is the second largest state in the Country to implement Pradhana Manthri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) covering 1.15 Lakh Ha in micro irrigation so far during 2016-17 as against target of 1.50 Lakh Ha., and target for 2017-18 is 2.00 Lakh Ha. Micro irrigation coupled with fertigation has enhanced the productivity of Horticulture crops ranging from 21% to 29% and farmer’s income has been enhanced ranging from 22% to 64%.

Our Government has formulated A.P. FPO policy 2016 and the detailed operational guidelines have been issued to strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations to sustain themselves on competitive business line. A target of one million farmers was set to form 1000 FPOs among Agriculture and allied sectors in the next three years. Farmers are encouraged to form into Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO)/ Farmer producer Companies (FPC) for collective procurement of inputs to reduce cost of cultivation, aggregation of produce for establishing market linkages, value- chain development there by enhanced income to the farmers. Our Govt. has launched FPO- PPP initiatives on 6th August 2016. Under this programme 18 Corporates have signed MOU/ LOI for establishing forward and backward linkages, creation of post- harvest infrastructure for processing and value addition with an ultimate goal of doubling the farmer’s income.

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Use of innovative technologies like off-season cultivation of vegetables and flowers under protected cultivation (Poly houses and Shade net houses), Pandal system of vegetable cultivation, Trellis system for tomato, Mulching for gourds and Melons have been promoted. Water use efficiency through Micro Irrigation integrated with use of water soluble fertilizers enhanced the production by 30% and net -returns to the farmers by 35%.

As part of water conservation, to save crops during dry spells, 23 community farm ponds and 1587 individual farm ponds were taken up by horticulture farmers in drought prone areas.

For promotion of domestic as well as export market, the Department has signed MOU with APEDA and Corporates for improving quality of produce and better returns. Under organic farming development department has signed MOU with International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) and Sikkim State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation (SIMFED) for quality improvement and certification of Vegetables, Turmeric, Mango to create brand name for A.P. produce internationally. Govt has submitted specific project proposals for funding under Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for value chain development of core Horticulture Crops i.e., Mango, Tomato, Coconut and Chillies in identified clusters of the State.

Our Government has sanctioned Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM) Centre at Gannavaram, Krishna District during 2016-17 with a total grant of Rs. 23 Cr.

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To achieve Double Digit inclusive growth, priority has been given to Horticulture sector as it has been identified as one of the growth engines for overall development of the Primary Sector under mission mode. Under State Development Plan, an amount of Rs. 102 Cr is proposed in 2017-18 for innovative schemes like Area Expansion programme, Protected Cultivation (Poly Houses & Shade net Houses), Multiple Cropping System, Farm Mechanization, Creation of Water Resources, Post-Harvest Management etc.

Similarly, an amount of Rs. 96 Cr is proposed for implementation of Centrally Assisted State Plan Scheme i.e., “Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)”.

Our Government is committed for Implementation of Micro Irrigation under Pradhana Mantri Krishi Sinchay Yojana (PMKSY) scheme in a big way in the State by proposing an amount of Rs. 717 Cr during the year 2017-18.

Our Government has sanctioned productivity enhancement schemes like Supply of Hybrid Vegetable Seed, Vegetable Mini Kits, Pandals, Trellies, Post Harvest Tools in Vegetables, Area expansion programme in fruits and Vegetable, Initiatives for Urban Clusters (VIUC) programme Under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

For implementation of oil palm Area Expansion programme an amount of Rs. 55 Cr is proposed under National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil palm (NMOOP) Mini Mission-II.

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SERICULTURESericulture is an agro-based labour intensive farming activity providing employment to the rural folk especially to women and plays key role in uplifting the rural economy, even in drought prone areas. Sericulture assures regular periodic returns to the farmers with an average income of Rs.95,000/- per acre per annum with employment potential of about six persons per acre throughout the year.

Andhra Pradesh is the 2nd largest producer of Silk in the country, next to Karnataka. Andhra Pradesh holds first position in the country in achieving quality parameters of Reeling Cocoons.

During 2016-17, 8134 acres of Mulberry plantation is additionally added and increased mulberry plantation to 82707 acres with 10.91% growth rate. A quantity of 5654 MTs of Bivoltine Cocoons was produced with a growth rate of 43.28%. A quantity of 905 MTs of Bivoltine Raw Silk was produced with a growth rate of 49.02%.

The Department is aiming at creation of sustainable livelihood to the farmers through Sericulture to overcome the prevailing agrarian crisis by producing quality Bivoltine Cocoons for production of International Quality Raw Silk.

To achieve the said goals, the Department is striving to achieve higher Cocoon quality and productivity by providing financial assistance to farmers for taking up Sericulture through various schemes, duly converging with MGNREGS, RKVY and APMIP and also dovetailing funds from Govt. of India under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).

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For assisting the deprived Silk Handloom weavers in the State, the Govt. has enhanced the assistance under “Yarn support Price” scheme from Rs. 600 to Rs.1000 per month / family for purchase of 4 kgs of Raw Silk @ Rs.250/- per Kg and sanctioned Rs.43.15 Cr benefitting 35069 weaver families in the State.

To encourage Bivoltine Cocoon production and thereby improve income levels of farmers, the Govt. is providing an incentive of Rs.50/- per Kg on production of Bivoltine cocoons. During 2016-17, the Govt. has sanctioned an amount of Rs.17.05 Cr. towards cocoon incentive.

To implement Sericulture schemes for the development of Farmers and reelers during 2017-18 an Amount of Rs 26 Cr. is proposed under State Development Plan and Rs. 134 Cr. is proposed under Non-Plan.

HORTICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

The University has a mandate for human resource development through Education, conduct need based Research and dissemination of proven technologies through Extension. The University is functioning with 3 Horticultural Colleges, 17 Research Stations, 4 Horticultural Polytechnics and 2 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, along with 5 private Horticultural Polytechnics.

One private Horticultural College in Ananthapur district has been sanctioned and started functioning during 2016-17 and admitted 60 students.

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Consortium of e-Resources in Agriculture (CeRA) facility was made available to the students and staff of the University. As a part of digitalization, installed first free and open source Library automation Koha software at University library.

Centre of Excellence for protected cultivation under Centre for Research and Development was established at University headquarters, Venkataramannagudem under NABARD-RIDF for production of quality planting material of Vegetables & Flowers.

A Horticultural Research Station was established at Peddapuram, East Godavari district with a mandate of Research on Cassava and Sweet Potato under All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Tuber Crops Scheme.

ICAR has sanctioned two new Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) at Periyavaram, Venkatagiri of SPSR Nellore district and Vonipenta, Mydukur, Kadapa district.

Under Centre of Excellence on Orchids, established Orchidorium at HRS, Chintapally of high altitude zone. The tribal farmers will be trained in raising the orchids.

Efforts are under way to start one more Government Horticultural College in Prakasam district, and three private Horticultural Colleges and Research Stations.

An amount of Rs. 51 Cr is proposed for strengthening of infrastructure and research activities of the University during 2017-18.

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ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Our State is having 62.54 lakh farm families engaged in livestock rearing activities. Our state houses valuable livestock resources and occupies 2nd position in sheep, 3rd in poultry, 5th in buffaloes, and 15th position in cattle in the country.

Our state is leading in milk production with a growth rate of 12% and is expected to cross 122 LMT reaching 5th position in the country. Egg production with a growth rate of 11.99% is expected to cross 1650 crore eggs and stands 2nd position in the country. The state is also one among the top producers of Meat with a growth rate of 10.94% and expected to cross 6 LMTs. The aim of our Government is to become one among the top 3 states in the country in Milk, Meat & Egg production by the year 2022.

The value of livestock production for the year 2016-17 is estimated at Rs. 60,000 Cr at current prices, contributing around 9% GVA to the state economy as per advance estimates.

Under Small Ruminant development policy activities worth Rs. 584 Cr and under Poultry development policy activities worth Rs. 575 Cr were approved for implementation over a period of 5 years.

An amount of Rs.275 Cr is sanctioned by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) covering 60% loan component for which the state Government has agreed to provide interest subsidy (Pavala Vaddi), over a period of three years.

Invitro Fertilization technology (IVF) was launched in the state by Hon’ble CM at Vijayawada on 11-11-2016 in collaboration

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with JK Trust. 5000 sexed semen doses were procured from other countries involving Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation (BAIF) for faster multiplication of genetic material.

Andhra Pradesh was notified as free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which will help to increase the export value to the livestock products. For the first time in the country, the mass vaccination details of Foot and Mouth disease in Bovines was digitalized. This initiative has bagged prestigious “Manthan Award”.

The Government have restructured the department to strengthen human resources through creation of 430 new posts and upgrading 195 existing posts. 323 Area Veterinary Hospitals were designated as focal units for decentralised administration. 303 Veterinary Assistant Surgeons were recruited.

15 Android / Web Applications were developed for better service delivery using Information technologies.

240 Integrated Livestock Development (ILD) centers in tribal areas and 156 ILD centers in plain areas have been sanctioned involving JK trust to improve the quality of animals.

Conservation of indigenous breeds like Ongole, Punganoor, Gir & Sahiwal has also been under taken by introduction of support schemes in the state budget.

As a part of Primary Sector Mission (Rythu Kosam), it is targeted to achieve a overall Growth Rate of 15% from Livestock Sector during 2017-18.

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As the schemes implemented by the Department in 2016-17 are yielding good results which have helped to achieve the double digit growth, it is proposed to continue the ongoing schemes and programmes. However, to supplement the deficiencies noticed in the breeding and extension areas, it is proposed to implement the following new initiatives in 2017-18.

Breeeding:

IVF Technology in collaboration with NGOs for faster multiplication of superior genetic material. Expand the coverage of breedable bovine population involving reputed NGO which has got experience in this activity through introduction of new ILD centers

Health care:

To expand Veterinary services to 810 more villages in the state, through introduction of 45 Mobile Veterinary Clinics to extend services to uncovered areas in PPP mode.

To ensure fodder security to all BPL families in the state, feeding inputs under “Kutumba Bhadratha”, it is proposed to deploy more than 4000 Pashumitras in the state to ensure timely supply of feeding inputs on 50% to 75% subsidy to the farmers at village level.

It is proposed for implementation of livestock development activities to enhance production under RKVY.

The Government is committed for promotion of entre-preneurship development through establishment of incubation centers in Livestock sector under PPP.

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It is also proposed to introduce ration balancing programme to cover 5 lakh animals to reduce cost of production of milk and to increase profitability.

Our Government has also decided to tackle fodder shortage on account of deficit rain fall through creation of fodder banks in three different locations in the state.

Rearing of Indigenous breeds will be encouraged to promote organic farming.

Our Government is also committed to release one time grant to the farmers involved in Emu farming as relief who have incurred huge losses.

Our Government is committed to provide interest subsidy to the poultry farmers in the state on capital investment and working capital availed by the poultry farmers to encourage poultry sector.

An amount Rs. 956 Cr is proposed to Animal Husbandry department of which Rs. 25 Cr is proposed for RIDF and Rs. 77 Cr is proposed for Centrally Assisted State Development Plan schemes (CASDP) and Rs. 854 Cr is proposed for other revenue expenditure which includes feed & fodder development schemes, Healthcare activities and Livestock Management programme during 2017-18.

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FISHERIES:

Hon’ble Speaker Sir,

Our State with 974 Kms of coast line, enjoys prime position in the country in the Fisheries sector. Fisheries is identified as one of the growth engines for achieving double digit inclusive growth. Fisheries sector occupies a predominant place in the socio economic development of the state as it contributes 5.4% to the GSDP. It is a significant employment generator, source of nutritious food and foreign exchange earner for the country.

A.P. Ranks 1st in total value of shrimp and fish. As on February, 2017, the fish production is 25 lakh MTs with a GVA of Rs. 37109 Cr recording growth rates of 18% on production and 31% on GVA at current prices over the corresponding period of 2015-16. The fish production target for 2016-17 is 27.58 lakh MTs and is valued at Rs. 43573 Cr. The sea food exports from the State reached to about Rs. 13,500 Cr against the total exports of Rs.30420 Cr of the country which is about 44% during 2015-16.

Hon’ble Speaker Sir,

The Government is implementing several schemes for improving fish production and for the welfare of fishermen of the state. During 2016-17, under the scheme of “Relief and Welfare of Marine Fishermen during the fishing ban period”, an amount of Rs 30 Cr was sanctioned @ Rs.4000/- per family to the 75050 affected marine fishermen. Under the scheme of exemption of sales tax on HSD oil supplied to marine boats, Rs.12.00 Cr was released to boat owners.

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Techno-economic feasibility studies have been taken up through WAPCOS for construction of 3 new and expansion of 2 existing Fishing Harbours in the coast.

Construction of Aquatic Quarantine Facility (AQF) & Brooder Multiplication Centre (BMC) in Visakhapatnam district and Seabass & Mudcrab hatcheries at Suryalanka in Guntur district have been planned. The required funds of Rs. 106 Cr and the land have been arranged.

The Department has been restructured by creating 118 new posts in various categories by creating new wings such as Aquaculture, Marine, Regulatory, HRD, Marketing, Planning, Administration and Engineering. Our Government is providing power subsidy to Aqua farmers.

Hon’ble Speaker Sir,

All these initiatives have been taken up with an objective of making Andhra Pradesh an “Aqua Hub of India”.

It is proposed to provide Rs. 282 Cr in the Budget 2017-18 for the fisheries sector with a target to achieve 30% growth rate.

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SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY

Our Government have permitted to establish College of Dairy Technology and Fisheries Polytechnic at Patavola, East Godavari district; Four Dairy Processing Polytechnics at Rachanapalli (Anantapur district), Kavali (Nellore district), Kadapa and Guntur and three Animal Husbandry Polytechnics at Kanumala (Prakasam district), Narsaraopet (Guntur district) and Nagayalanka (Krishna district) under private sector with the affiliation of the University.

A new Animal Husbandry Polytechnic was started at Banavasi, Kurnool District from 2016 -17 academic year.

Our Government have given consent to NABARD to sanction Rs.81.72 Cr under RIDF for providing infrastructure to start the newly sanctioned Veterinary College at Garividi, Vizianagaram Dt.

The University implemented nine externally funded research projects for which an amount of Rs. 63 lakhs was released by different funding agencies.

The University has entered into MOU with J.K. Trust for Conservation and improvement of Ongole and Punganur cattle breeds.

The Budget proposed for 2017-18 is Rs.153 Cr to the University.

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AGRICULTURAL MARKETING:

Agricultural Marketing Department is associated in promotion, regulation and information dissemination pertaining to marketing of Agricultural Produce.

The Agricultural Marketing Department has 191 Agricultural Market Committees managing 324 no. of market yards including sub-yards. Functional markets are in operation for trading of grains and other agricultural commodities, Fruits, Vegetables, Cattle and Cotton in the State.

The Department is operating 87 Rythu Bazars in the State and 33 new Rythu Bazars are proposed to establish during 2017-18.

The Department has 1053 godowns with a capacity of 8.57 Lakh MTs in the State. Further 24 lakh sq ft of storage capacity is being created through AP warehousing corporation.

e-Trading in 10 markets has been launched. A quantity of 1.3 lakh MTs of different commodities were traded worth Rs. 4217 Cr.

e-National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) is implemented in 12-Markets. A quantity of 2.75 lakh Qtls of different Agricultural commodities were traded with value of Rs. 22 Cr through e-NAM.

Under Rythu Bandhu Pathakam 2883 farmers have been benefited to a tune of Rs. 33 Cr during 2016-17.

An amount of Rs 18 Cr has been proposed under non-plan expenditure during 2017-18.

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COOPERATION

Cooperative sector is playing a vital role in promoting Agriculture & Allied sectors by providing farm credit, inputs & other marketing related support.

Andhra Pradesh State Cooperative Bank (APCOB), during the year 2016-17 provided Rs. 4952 Cr as short term credit, an amount of Rs. 577 Cr as a Long Term Agricultural Credit to 15.85 Lakh farmers through the PACS & DCCBS.

Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) is a Centrally Sponsored flagship program with the financial assistance of NCDC. In Phase-I of the program all 13 Districts in the State were covered.

NCDC has agreed in principle to sanction the ICDP Projects under Phase II for East Godavari, Kurnool & Chittoor Districts. The proposed project is for 4 years (2016-17 to 2019-20) with total project out lay for Rs. 630 Cr. 1761 PACS and other Cooperative Societies will be benefitted through the projects.

An amount of Rs. 17 Cr is proposed during 2017-18 for the benefit of 380 PACS and other co-operative societies. Total proposed Budget for 2017-18 under plan and non-plan expenditure is Rs. 174 Cr.

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POWER

Government is committed to provide 7 hours of free, quality and reliable power supply to agriculture sector. There are 16.39 lakh agriculture services in the State.

Government has taken up High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS) scheme to cover 56,699 agriculture services in 7 districts of Andhra Pradesh at a total cost of Rs. 295 Cr. JICA has sanctioned loan assistance to an extent of Rs.253 Cr for the above purpose.

Government is taking up replacement of non-ISI pump sets with energy efficient ISI pump sets with the help of Energy Efficient Services Ltd (EESL), a Government of India Undertaking for one lakh pump sets.

An allocation of Rs. 3300 Cr is proposed during 2017-18 for power subsidy to the farmers.

MGNREGA linking to Agriculture

The Act enables to take up works in Agricultures fields belonging to vulnerable sections with objective to enhance the productivity and to enhance their livelihoods. Land development of fallow and cultivable lands, Horticulture plantations, bund plantations and fodder plantations have been extensively taken up.

Water Conservation works and Soil Moisture Conservation works to increase the Ground Water table, restoration of Minor Irrigation tanks, Feeder Channels, Supply Channels and field Channels to restore the tanks to their original storage capacities have been taken up.

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The Government of India has made a commitment to support the Agriculture, that at-least 60% of the works to be taken up under MGNREGA in a district in terms of cost shall be for creation of productivity assets directly linked to Agriculture and allied activities through development of land, water and trees.

Our Government is committed to bring convergence between MGNREGA and Agriculture and allied departments so that funds are productively utilized and Agriculture sector is made more sustainable.

The Government of AP has taken up farm ponds under ‘Panta Sanjeevani’ program apart from other drought proofing activities under flagship program of ‘Neeru – Chettu’ and ‘Neeru – Pragathi’ to support the small and marginal farmers who are facing difficulties due to erratic, reduced rainfall, prolonged dry spells and continuous drought conditions leading to crop failure.

The Panta Sanjeevani programme has been taken up as a massive key initiative to harvest rain water during rainy season and using the same for providing supplementary life saving irrigation to standing crops by promoting indigenous rain-water harvesting technologies, besides percolating the runoff water into ground. 5.21 lakh farm ponds have been sanctioned, 4.03 lakh have been grounded out of which 2.63 lakh have been completed.

An amount of Rs. 6040 Cr under MGNREGA has been proposed for 2017-18.

Our Government has taken special initiatives and introduces the Agriculture Budget for the year 2017-18 with an outlay of Rs 18,214 Cr.

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గత కాలపు చీకట్ చ్దిరి పో యవంది

మవంచి కాలవం మళ్ళి వచి్చవంది

చీకట్ని చీలు్చతూ స్ర్ణ కిరణాల విజృవంభణ తో

ర�ైతన్నల జీవితాలను

స్ర్ణమయవం చేస్తు ,

వెలుగులు నివంపుతూ , విరజిముముతూ

ర�ైతు కషాటి లను కడతేరు్చతూ

ర�ైతుల స్పా్నలను సాకారవం చేస్తుర�ైతుల బ్రతుకులోలు త్మిరాని్న (చీకట్ని) తరుముతునా్నడు చవంద్రన్న.

గత చీకట్ కాలపు రుణభారాని్న రదుదు చేస్తుర�ైతుని రాజుని , రారాజుని చేశాడు చవంద్రన్న

ర�ైతన్న జీవితాలను స్ర్ణ మయవం చేయటమే మా ఆశయవం.

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