Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday, July 10, 2025, held a review meeting with Andhra Pradesh ministers and officials in Puttaparthi, Sri Sathya Sai district, to assess the worsening drought situation in the southern parts of the state. The meeting also focused on long-term agricultural strategies, including organic farming and the National Palm Oil Mission.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Union Minister said the Rayalaseema region, known for its frequent droughts and low rainfall, faces serious agricultural distress. He said the current Andhra Pradesh government under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has initiated several impactful measures, including the promotion of drip irrigation and support for horticulture. “Under a visionary Chief Minister, a new path has been taken to support farmers,” he noted.
Union Minister criticised the previous state government for allegedly diverting central funds and failing to address the needs of the farming community. He said the Centre is committed to correcting those wrongs by working closely with the current state administration to develop both short-term relief measures and long-term sustainable solutions for drought-hit districts.
Among the key decisions taken, Minister Chouhan announced that a central team, comprising experts from ICAR, agriculture, rural development, land resources, and watershed management departments, will soon visit Andhra Pradesh. The team will draft a comprehensive plan to promote climate-resilient farming and improve productivity in drought-prone zones.
He also emphasized the need for large-scale rainwater harvesting, afforestation efforts, and better water connectivity. “We will explore how to bring water from the Tungabhadra and Krishna rivers to these regions with the help of the Ministry of Jal Shakti,” he said.
The government also plans to scale up integrated farming systems, which include fruits, vegetables, flowers, agroforestry, beekeeping, and animal husbandry. Efforts are underway to develop seed varieties suited for dryland farming, he added.
Chouhan concluded by confirming that an Integrated Action Plan will be jointly prepared by the Centre and state, expressing confidence that it will provide much-needed relief to farmers battling persistent drought conditions.
