Visakhapatnam: Parvathipuram Manyam collector A Shyam Prasad has announced steps to establish a coffee cluster in the Parvathipuram Manyam district, with potential sites identified at Shatabi in Pachipenta mandal. This was discussed during a review meeting held with officials at the district collector's office on Wednesday, focusing on the progress of primary sector departments.
The district collector emphasised the need for income-generating intercrops on farm ridges and urged officials to raise awareness among farmers. He directed that vegetable seeds be made available at the Rythu Seva Kendra, managed by members of self-help groups. He stressed the importance of organising farmer awareness seminars starting in January.
Highlighting the role of technology in agriculture, the district collector advocated for the use of drones, suggesting that women be trained as drone pilots, referred to as "drone didis," in each mandal. He set a target of 15 per cent growth in horticultural crops and suggested establishing clusters for crops like oil palm. He also mentioned that cultivating lemongrass could provide additional income for farmers and called for efforts to increase the number of lemongrass growers monthly.
Other initiatives discussed included sanctioning loans for Pashu Kisan Credit Cards (PKCC), setting up cage culture under the fisheries department, and establishing fish food units through Fish Production Organisations (FPOs). The district collector also instructed the District Forest Officer to focus on developing city forests and parks.
Several officials from agriculture, forestry, and animal services attended the meeting, including DFO G.A.P. Prasuna, agriculture officer K. Robert Paul, animal husbandry officer S. Manmatha Rao, and public health officer Mani Bhushan.
