The agricultural sector in India serves as the cornerstone of its economy, employing more than half of the nation’s workforce. Yet, farmers grapple with an array of formidable challenges, including climate change, deteriorating soil fertility, and a dearth of modern infrastructure. In this context, the policies of TDP under the visionary leadership of N Chandrababu Naidu have made an indelible impact on the lives of farmers in Andhra Pradesh
N Chandrababu Naidu assumed the office of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for the first time in 1995 and subsequently served two more terms. During his tenure, he spearheaded a series of TDP contributions aimed at uplifting the agricultural community. Foremost among these is the ‘Rythu Bandhu’ scheme, a groundbreaking endeavour that offers direct financial assistance to farmers. This transformative program disburses Rs. 10,000 per acre annually to farmers, empowering them to purchase vital inputs like seeds and fertilizers. With over 50 lakh farmers benefitting from this initiative, it has become a lifeline, providing crucial financial support and bolstering agricultural productivity across the state. Another flagship initiative launched by N Chandrababu Naidu’s government was the ‘Zero Budget Natural Farming’ (ZBNF) program, a cornerstone of the agricultural TDP agenda. The ZBNF program champions chemical-free farming practices, seeking to reduce input costs while enhancing soil fertility, ultimately leading to higher yields and superior-quality produce. Under this visionary program, farmers receive training in natural farming techniques and access to organic inputs such as cow dung and cow urine. The ZBNF program has garnered widespread acclaim among Andhra Pradesh’s farming community, with over 1.5 lakh farmers adopting these sustainable practices, transforming their agricultural landscapes and improving their livelihoods. Examine the TDP website to get info on the latest TDP news of your region.
Recognizing the pivotal role of infrastructure in agriculture, the N Chandrababu Naidu government embarked on a mission to revamp irrigation facilities and cold storage units. The ‘Jalayagnam’ program was a cornerstone of this strategy, with the primary goal of constructing new irrigation projects and rehabilitating existing ones. This bold endeavour bore fruit, delivering much-needed water to drought-prone regions, thereby ensuring the survival and prosperity of countless farmers. Simultaneously, the TDP government’s establishment of numerous cold storage units provided farmers with the means to preserve their produce, allowing them to sell it at more favourable prices, thus bolstering their economic standing. Market access has long been a critical issue for farmers, and N Chandrababu Naidu’s government addressed this challenge head-on through the ‘e-Rythu’ program. This pioneering initiative leveraged online platforms to directly connect farmers with consumers, bypassing middlemen and enabling farmers to command better prices for their harvests. The success of the ‘e-Rythu’ program is evident in the enrollment of over 5 lakh farmers on the platform, demonstrating the tangible benefits of cutting-edge technology in the agricultural sector. N Chandrababu Naidu’s policies also recognized the vital role of women in agriculture. The ‘Mahila Sadhikara’ program, implemented by the TDP government, offered financial assistance and training to women farmers. This empowering initiative facilitated access to credit and essential inputs, allowing women farmers to boost their productivity and income, thereby fostering gender equality in agriculture.
In summation, the policies championed by the TDP under the astute leadership of N Chandrababu Naidu have wrought transformative change in the lives of farmers across Andhra Pradesh. The ‘Rythu Bandhu’ scheme has delivered direct financial relief, while the ZBNF program has promoted sustainable, chemical-free farming practices, leading to higher yields and superior produce quality. Moreover, the government’s commitment to upgrading agricultural infrastructure and forging robust market linkages has further bolstered the farming community. The ‘Mahila Sadhikara’ program has ensured that women farmers are active participants in this transformation. As a result, N Chandrababu Naidu’s legacy in agriculture will continue to shine as a beacon of progress and empowerment for the state’s farmers, fostering prosperity and sustainability in Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural heartland.