Finance Minister says government schemes are aimed at strengthening farm livelihoods as Andhra Pradesh begins work on a Rs 1 lakh crore Global Horticulture Hub across 10 districts
Madanapalle, Oct 2026 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has introduced a range of schemes aimed at addressing the major needs of farmers and strengthening agricultural livelihoods across the country.
Addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Rayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub and the Indian School of Agriculture at Madanapalle in Annamayya district, Sitharaman said farmer welfare has remained a key focus of governance under the Modi government. She cited the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, through which eligible farmers receive direct financial assistance, and Kisan Credit Cards that facilitate access to institutional credit.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh and other leaders attended the programme.
Sitharaman said ensuring the availability of essential agricultural inputs at affordable prices has remained a priority despite challenges in the global economy. Referring to fertiliser prices, she said that during periods of international disruption, including the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the import cost of urea rose to around Rs 3,000 per bag. However, farmers continued to receive it at Rs 300 per bag, with the Centre bearing a subsidy of approximately Rs 2,700 per bag.
The Finance Minister also highlighted measures aimed at making agriculture more resilient to climate-related challenges. She said scientifically developed seed varieties capable of withstanding extreme heat and dry spells were being promoted to help farmers cope with changing weather conditions.
Sitharaman pointed to the GOBARdhan initiative, which seeks to convert rural waste into clean biogas, and the PM-KUSUM scheme, under which solar-powered pumps provide farmers with electricity for irrigation. She also highlighted the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, which provides crop insurance coverage against crop losses and unforeseen risks.
According to the Finance Minister, the Centre, in coordination with state governments, has also expanded support for allied agricultural activities. Mobile veterinary units and veterinary services are being deployed to strengthen livelihoods in sectors such as dairy and fisheries.
Turning to Andhra Pradesh, Sitharaman said the governments at the Centre and state level were committed to transforming Rayalaseema into “Ratnala Seema”, or a land of gems and prosperity, following the mandate received by the National Democratic Alliance in 2024.
She said Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had envisioned an ambitious Rs 1 lakh crore Global Horticulture Hub covering 10 districts, including eight districts in Rayalaseema and two adjoining districts. The project is intended to establish a world-class horticulture ecosystem, introduce advanced technologies and improve water-use efficiency in agriculture.
Sitharaman said the initiative was being taken forward with the support of Prime Minister Modi and financial assistance from multilateral institutions, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
She said two major initiatives were launched on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti — the development of the Global Horticulture Hub across 10 districts and the establishment of the Indian School of Agriculture at Madanapalle.
The Finance Minister said the initiatives reflected the ideals associated with Mahatma Gandhi, Shastri’s call of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and the development-oriented vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Sitharaman reiterated that the government’s agricultural policies were focused on improving farmers’ dignity, welfare, resilience and long-term economic empowerment.
