Interlinking of rivers will help check drought in State, says A.P. CM Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said that there would be no drought in the State if 200 tmc ft of the 8,500 tmc ft floodwater, which is let into the sea every year, is used efficiently through the interlinking of the Krishna and the Godavari rivers. 

In 2025, more than 7,000 tmc ft of floodwater was let into the Bay of Bengal, while 1,500 tmc ft of the Krishna water also drained into the sea, Mr. Naidu said while addressing a gathering of farmers during the ‘Rythanna Meekosam’ programme at Nallajerla of East Godavari district on Wednesday.

“The mission to link the Godavari, Krishna, Penna and Vamsadhara is underway. The interlinking of these rivers will guarantee water security for all purposes, such as drinking, agriculture and industries”.

In response to farmers’ concerns about groundwater resources and the cost of digging borewells, the Chief Minister said an estimated ₹5,000 crore could be saved on electricity consumption for agricultural purposes if the groundwater table is managed through effective initiatives.

In Andhra Pradesh, nearly 20 lakh pumpsets are catering to the irrigation needs of farmers. 

No hike on power tariff

Referring to the key decisions over power tariff, Mr. Naidu said, “There will be no hike in electricity charges for agriculture purposes. Use of solar power will be encouraged.”

Referring to the marketing of the farm produces, Mr. Naidu said that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) parks would be set up in every Assembly constituency, encouraging agri-based units for better market connectivity and diverse value-added products. 

“The State government will offer financial aid, apart from supplying the required technologies and knowledge. Setting up of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will be encouraged,” said Mr. Naidu.

“The Rayalaseema region has been groomed into a horticulture hub of Andhra Pradesh. It produces 18 varieties of horticulture crops, including dates and dragon fruits. Farmers should go for crop diversification for which the government is ready to offer the necessary support,” said Mr. Naidu.

The horticulture crops contribute ₹1.85 lakh crore to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Andhra Pradesh. 

Some progressive farmers narrated their experiences and success stories.

“Natural farming is the way forward as it ensures good returns for farmers and good health for the consumers,” Mr. Naidu said and assured the farmers that the State government would soon come up with new models to encourage natural farming and crop diversity based on the agro-climatic conditions of each region. 

Mr. Naidu advised the palm oil farmers to go for cocoa farming as an intercrop.

“India produces cocoa only 20% of its actual requirement,” he said after going around an exhibition of new seed varieties of coconut and natural farming methods.

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Agriculture Minister K. Atchnnaidu and other officials were present.