Union Minister proposes village-level committees to boost farmers' income in A.P.

Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar has announced the formation of village-level crop planning committees, constituency-wise farm mechanisation demonstrations, and drone pilot training in every mandal to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance farmers' income. He made the announcement on Thursday while chairing a review meeting on sustainable agriculture and allied sectors at the Collectorate, alongside District Collector C.M. Sai Kanth Varma.

The Minister highlighted that increasing farmers' income should be the primary focus of agricultural scientists and officials. The meeting, attended by scientists from Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University and officials from the Agriculture Department, discussed key strategies such as crop diversification, modern farming practices, and integration with horticulture and allied sectors.

Mr. Pemmasani directed officials to ensure the effective implementation of Central and State government schemes and to expand the use of technology to improve agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. He underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to adopt sustainable practices that conserve natural resources and build resilient farming systems.

As part of the plan, village-level committees will be established, comprising progressive farmers, scientists, and agriculture and horticulture officials, to create scientific crop plans. The Minister also stressed the need to develop pest-resistant seed varieties and encouraged farmers to adopt a third crop wherever feasible.

The meeting was attended by Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor P. V. Satyanarayana, Joint Collector Ashutosh Srivastava, and District Agriculture Officer Padmavathi.

Published: June 18, 2026, 11:43 PM IST