The Hindu Business Line : AP turns major agri producer

Endowed with different agro-climatic zones suitable for raising a range of crops as varied as grains (rice, maize) and horticulture (fruits,vegetables) and a long coastline that encourages development of fisheries, Andhra Pradesh is an important contributor to the country’s food security, in addition to being the producer of commercial crops such as groundnut, sunflowerseed, cotton, spices (chillies), tobacco and so on.

It is the country’s second largest rice producer and the largest in maize. It has the largest area under palm oil plantation.

PRO-FARMER POLICIES

Growth in agriculture is increasingly being driven by pro-farmer government policies that seek to empower growers with advanced agronomic practices.

Organic cultivation is catching up rapidly.The critical importance of agriculture and allied activities to Andhra Pradesh may be gauged from the fact that the sector accounts for a quarter of the State gross domestic product and provides employment to nearly 60 per cent of the workforce.

FOCUS AREA

Horticulture is a focus area for the State. With an area of about 18 lakh hectares and production of over 160 lakh tonnes, AP ranks first in production of mango, sweet orange, papaya and tomato. It is also the country’s second largest vegetable producer. The large production base for a variety of crops and growing affluence of people, has encouraged investment in food processing industries.

Poultry foray

Notwithstanding the above, what’s the top-of-mind recall about Andhra Pradesh is its huge foray into egg and poultry sector. It is the country’s largest egg and poultry meat producer, accounting for a third of the country’s egg and a fifth of broiler meat production. Integrated processing plants have been established for production of dressed frozen chicken and cut parts, frozen eggs and egg powder.

Fisheries sector is drawing attention. The State contributes to 10 per cent of the country’s fish and shrimp production. Growth is anticipated in inland fish and fresh-water prawn production. Opportunities exist for developing fisheries infrastructure.

(Business Line invites responses from readers. Responses may be sent to agribiz@thehindu.co.in)

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