Rs 43,402 Cr Agriculture Budget, emphasis on farmer welfare

The Andhra Pradesh government, on Monday, rolled out a special agriculture budget totaling Rs 43,402 crore for FY25, signaling its commitment to the agricultural sector.  Presenting the budget, Agriculture Minister Achchennaidu emphasized the government's focus on elevating farmers and supporting the rural economy.

He announced Rs 240 crore for the supply of subsidized seeds, while Rs 38.88 crore has been earmarked for conducting soil tests, using advanced remote sensing technology. An additional Rs 240 crore will also be allocated for seed distribution, with Rs 40 crore directed toward fertilizer supplies.

The agriculture budget also includes Rs 11.31 crore for farm call services and an allocation to facilitate fertilizer distribution through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). The government is investing Rs 44.77 crore in digital agriculture and Rs 187.68 crore for agricultural mechanization to provide modern tools to farmers. Interest-free loans will be supported with Rs 628 crore, and Rs 4,500 crore has been earmarked for the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme to aid farmers' welfare.

Rythu Seva Kendras will receive Rs 26.92 crore, and Rs 44.03 crore is set aside for Integrated Agri Labs to enhance soil sample analysis. Additionally, Rs 1,023 crore has been allocated for crop insurance to protect farmers' livelihoods.
The Department of Agriculture itself has been provided with Rs 8,564.37 crore, while Rs 3,469.47 crore will go toward the horticulture sector and Rs 108.44 crore to the silk industry.

Agricultural marketing initiatives are allocated Rs 314.8 crore, and the Cooperative Department will receive Rs 308.26 crore. In a move toward sustainable practices, Nature Agriculture has been allotted Rs 422.96 crore.
Funds have also been earmarked for key educational institutions and research: NG Ranga Agricultural University has received Rs 507.3 crore, Udyana University Rs 102.22 crore, and the Agricultural Animal University Rs 171.72 crore, while the Fisheries University is set to receive Rs 38 crore.

The Animal Husbandry Department has been granted Rs 1,095.71 crore, and Rs 521.34 crore has been set aside for fisheries development. For rural support, the government has allocated Rs 5,150 crore under the Employment Guarantee Link and Rs 7,241.3 crore to provide free agricultural electricity. The NTR Jalasiri scheme has received Rs 50 crore, and Rs 14,637.03 crore is dedicated to maintaining irrigation projects.