Livestock-based livelihoods key to economic upliftment, says Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu
Vijayawada: Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the transformative potential of the
dairy sector
in improving the lives of the poor, stating that
livestock-based livelihoods
offer a sustainable path to
economic upliftment
. He made these remarks while addressing the 'Animal Husbandry Tech AI 2.0 Conclave' in collaboration with the Global Forum for Sustainable Transformation (GFST) at Hotel Murali Fortune on Wednesday.Naidu said that
agriculture and allied sectors
always received priority under TDP governance, helping position
Andhra Pradesh
as a frontrunner in agriculture nationwide.
He noted the event was a valuable platform for knowledge-sharing, urging all stakeholders to absorb new ideas and technological advances for sectoral growth.The chief minister pointed out that around 42 lakh families in the state rely on livestock for their livelihood. Andhra Pradesh ranks first in egg production, fifth in meat production, and seventh in milk production nationally.
He emphasized the need to promote high-value horticulture crops, aiming to double horticultural coverage to 36 lakh hectares. Micro-irrigation will be central to this effort, he said. Naidu recalled submitting a landmark report on micro-irrigation during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's tenure, which continues to be used as a reference document. He reiterated Andhra Pradesh's leadership in implementing micro-irrigation practices.He stressed the importance of using technology and knowledge to enhance entrepreneurship in rural areas, adding that institutions like GFST were designed to encourage innovation in these sectors. While asserting that Andhra Pradesh leads the country in agriculture, Naidu acknowledged the need to strengthen the service and industrial sectors. He cited Telangana, where 67% of revenue comes from services, compared to just 46% in Andhra Pradesh. He called for a balanced approach to economic development that boosts all sectors.He also noted global dietary shifts towards protein-rich and healthy foods, including interest in millets, fruits, and vegetables—offering further opportunity for horticulture expansion. The conclave included interactive sessions where the chief minister engaged with farmers and entrepreneurs.Naidu criticized the previous govt for plunging the state into a debt burden of ₹10 lakh crore, damaging the state's brand image and investor confidence. He claimed that industrialists avoided investing in Andhra Pradesh due to governance failures but are now returning due to restored credibility under his leadership. He reaffirmed the TDP govt's commitment to P4 (People, Public, Private Partnership for Progress) and poverty eradication by bridging economic gaps and enhancing living standards."Only those who adapt to change can lead," he said, noting how Indian—and particularly Telugu—professionals excelled globally, especially in IT. He cited Hyderabad's growth as a tech hub as an example of how strategic planning and innovation can uplift a region's fortunes.
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