Naidu Targets 100% Chemical-free Agriculture in AP by 2029
Tirupati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday pledged to make the Kuppam assembly segment a national model for organic farming.
He spoke of plans to lead Andhra Pradesh towards a scenario of 100 per cent organic farming within five years, starting with his home constituency.
Speaking at the release of the ‘Kuppam Organic Farming Vision-2029’ plan in Kuppam, Naidu emphasized the significance of personalised agriculture, envisioning a future where food is tailored to individual preferences.
Earlier, the CM visited Srigalapalli to interact with farmers and learn about the farming practices there. Reiterating his commitment to revitalising traditional farming methods, he cited the satisfaction of farmers who have adopted organic practices.
Naidu expressed optimism about the future, saying the day is near when food will serve as medicine, and agriculture will evolve into a pharmacy.
He noted that consuming organically grown food could eliminate the need for hospital visits. Drawing on the wisdom of past generations, he said their health thrived because they relied on natural, wholesome food and avoided modern medical interventions.
The CM announced that the National Dairy Development Board would establish two units in Kuppam—one focused on dairy and the other on vegetables and fruits. “The Mother Dairy Project in Santhipuram, spread across 41 acres with an investment of ₹105 crore, would generate 4,000 jobs and benefit 50,000 farmers.”
Similarly, a dairy products manufacturing unit by the Srija Women milk producer company on 40 acres in the same region will create 4,000 jobs, enhancing the economic landscape, he said.
Naidu said the Kuppam municipality has been allocated ₹92 crore for various infrastructure projects. These include the construction of the NTR Sports Complex at a cost of `22 crore, a `20 crore drainage system, and a `10 crore project to beautify roads and create 10 new junctions.
Additionally, `19 crore has been earmarked for park development and `3 crore for streetlights. Road connectivity is being improved with `34.27 crore allocated to repair and upgrade roads across the constituency. Further, `4 crore worth of drip irrigation equipment was distributed to 220 farmers, while mechanization efforts provided tractors and other agricultural machinery worth `2.13 crore to five beneficiaries.
In an effort to empower women, the CM announced a partnership with the Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of India (ALEAP) and the Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA) to establish the Mahila Shakthi Bhavan and Green Industrial Park on 19.87 acres. This initiative aims to create 4,000 jobs for women and improve the socio-economic conditions of 1,900 families.
Training programmes and infrastructure support will be provided to help 175 self-help groups participate in MSME activities, fostering women’s entrepreneurship in the region.
Healthcare is another cornerstone of Kuppam’s development plans, with a super-specialty hospital, supported by the Tata Group, set to enhance medical services in the region.
Sustainability is being prioritised through solar power for households, while a proposed cargo airport will boost connectivity and economic activity.
Naidu also outlined tourism initiatives aimed at preserving Kuppam’s cultural heritage and establishing it as a destination for visitors.
The chief minister stated that the Swarna Kuppam Vision 2047 outlines a roadmap for sustainable development, infrastructure enhancement, and economic empowerment. “With the establishment of advanced dairy projects, and a cattle feed factory producing 200 metric tons per day, Kuppam is poised to become a benchmark for integrated development”, Naidu said.
He lauded KADA officials and partners for their efforts, emphasizing the need to balance progress with cultural preservation.