Guntur chilli yard, Asia's biggest, to turn energy efficient

 Vijayawada: AP government and its agricultural marketing department are partnering with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) of union power ministry to transform Guntur Chilli Market Yard into Asia’s largest energy-efficient chili trading hub.

In this regard principal secretary (Marketing) Chiranjeevi Choudary and EESL CEO Vishal Kapoor held a meeting and decided to implement cutting-edge energy-conserving methodologies at the Guntur chilli yard, such as LED lighting, demand response systems and energy-efficient cooling systems, apart from comprehensive energy audits.

Chiranjeevi Choudary said the state government is attempting to increase the value of Guntur sannam chilli exports from ₹3,502 crore to ₹4,661 crore by 2025. Additionally, the state administration will promote export of turmeric and cotton yarn to broaden the range of products it exports.

The principal secretary said e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) scheme is doing well in Andhra Pradesh, with Guntur Agricultural Market Committee (AMC) transacting business of ₹31,161.7 crore. He underlined that across 33 markets, e-NAM is facilitating trade worth ₹43,248 crore. With 16 assaying labs ensuring quality, online payments to farmers have surged to ₹84.76 crore.

Chiranjeevi Choudary said energy-efficient measures will help reduce power expenditure and turn market yards into energy saving and environmentally friendly marketing centres.

EESL CGM Animesh Mishra lauded the efforts of the AP government to make its market yards energy efficient. The initiative will make a positive impact on society and environment, he underlined.