Latest news with #Atchannaidu
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra Agriculture Minister promises procurement of total tobacco stock from farmers
GUNTUR: Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Saturday assured that the government would support Black Burley tobacco farmers until every leaf is procured. He made the statement during a meeting with farmers and company representatives at the Parchur MLA's camp office. The Minister announced that procurement will follow a two-grade system, Rs 12,000 per quintal for the common variety and Rs 6,000 for the low grade. 'Despite global market fluctuations, companies must follow these fixed rates,' he said. The government will bear processing costs and may initiate direct procurement through Markfed if necessary. Atchannaidu criticised companies for neglecting farmers' concerns and warned against delays. He said six sub-committees will oversee procurement, and staff support will be provided to companies. Of the targeted 25 million kg, farmers produced 75 million kg, causing a crisis amid declining international demand. Energy Minister G Ravi Kumar said, 'The government promoted this crop with company backing and must now ensure full procurement.' He cautioned against farmer suicides and confirmed that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is monitoring the situation. Special Chief Secretary B Rajasekhar confirmed that all stock would be procured at fair prices. District Collector J. Venkata Murali pledged constant monitoring.
United News of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Andhra: Officials directed to promote, encourage horticulture crops
Vijayawada, May 21 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchennaidu on Wednesday instructed the officials concerned to promote the cultivation of quality paddy as well as horticultural crops in the state. The Agriculture Minister held a video conference with the officials from the Secretariat at Amaravati near here. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the farmers should be made aware so that their attention is diverted not only towards the cultivation of some traditional crops but also towards the cultivation of many horticultural and commercial crops. 'New technology and artificial intelligence should be used on a large scale in the agro-allied sectors to reduce the cost of cultivation, achieve higher quality yields and expand marketing facilities,' the Agriculture Minister asserted. Minister Atchannaidu directed all the officials to work together with the aim of achieving a 15 percent growth rate in the agriculture and allied sectors in line with the vision of the State Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. 'Special attention should be paid to the issues of traceability, certification, volume and marketing. Strong arrangements should be made to ensure that farmers do not face any difficulties in Kharif crop cultivation. All types of seeds and fertilizers required for Kharif cultivation should be made available to farmers on time,' the Minister ordered the officials. The authorities should be very vigilant to prevent the problem of fake seeds and fertilizers in the open market, he told them, adding that by reducing the use of fertilizers, natural farming and the cultivation of traditional crops have been gradually reduced and the cultivation of horticultural crops has been encouraged on a large scale. The officials should take steps to provide CCRC cards to all tenant farmers and ensure that every tenant farmer gets a bank loan, he directed the officials. Agriculture Department Special Chief Secretary B Rajasekhar also spoke. RYSS Executive Vice Chairman and Advisor to the Agriculture & Cooperation Department T Vijaya Kumar, Chairman of the State Seed Development Corporation M Subba Reddy, Director of the Agriculture Department S Dilli Rao, Director of the Horticulture & Sericulture Department K Srinivasulu, Director of the Marketing Department M Vijayasunitha, Commissioner of the Cooperation Department Ahmed Babu and Director of the Animal Husbandry Department Damodar Naidu were among those who attended the meeting. UNI DP SSP
New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Artificial reefs launched to boost fish stocks off Visakhapatnam coast
VISAKHAPATNAM: In a step towards the marine ecosystem restoration, Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation, Marketing, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Kinjarapu Atchannaidu launched artificial reefs off the Jalari Yendada coast in Visakhapatnam district on Monday. These man-made structures aim to restore marine biodiversity and support the livelihoods of fishing communities. As part of the first phase, 22 artificial reef units are being installed in the marine waters of North Andhra. Similar installations are planned in other coastal districts of the state. The project is being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with 60% of the funding from the Union government and the remaining 40% from the State. Designed in shapes such as triangles, flowers, and large pipes, the concrete reef structures aim to mimic natural habitats by providing shelter and breeding grounds for marine life. Fish species including kingfish, tuna, red snapper, prawns, crabs, squids, and octopuses are expected to thrive near these reefs, located within 2.5 km from the shore. This proximity is expected to help fishermen reduce fuel and operational costs by up to 80%. CMFRI Principal Scientist Dr Joe Kizhakudan is heading the project. Speaking at the event, Minister Atchannaidu said the initiative is a response to the declining fish stocks caused by pollution and oil-related activity along the coast, which has severely impacted traditional fishing livelihoods. He also highlighted other support measures under PMMSY. 'A total of 634 transponders have been distributed free of cost to mechanised boats operating from the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour. These devices help track boats and are particularly useful during adverse weather events. Additional plans include subsidised distribution of GPS units, echo sounders, fishing boats, engines, nets, and ropes,' he noted. He added that efforts are underway to clear pending diesel subsidy and ex gratia payments. 'Discussions will be held with the Port Chairman for the installation of cranes and cradles at the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour,' Atchannaidu assured. He also inspected the cage culture and seaweed farming units off RK Beach, also implemented under PMMSY. He directed officials to expand these initiatives to generate employment for youth and women in fishing communities. Special Chief Secretary B Rajasekhar, Fisheries Commissioner Ramashankar Naik, and a large number of fishermen were present at the event.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Atchannaidu launches artificial reefs to boost fish production
Minister for Agriculture, Marketing and Fisheries K. Atchannaidu on Monday (May 19) flagged off the sinking of 'artificial reefs' to the seabed near Jalari Yendada in the city. Speaking on the occasion, he said these reefs would contribute to the growth of fish stock apart from promoting marine biodiversity, thereby improving the livelihood of fisherfolk. A total of 22 units of artificial reefs were being installed in North Andhra in the first phase. They would be placed off the coast of other districts in the State in a phases. He explained that 634 transponders were fixed on mechanised boats operating from the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour, with 100% subsidy, under the Pradhan Manthri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The transponders would help in tracking the location of mechanised boats at sea, and would be useful to the fisherfolk during cyclones and other natural calamities. Measures would be taken to provide GPS, echosounder, boat engines, nets and ropes on subsidy to fisherfolk in the future. Steps would also be taken to clear pending diesel oil subsidy and ex gratia payments. Representatives of mechanised boat associations brought their problems to the notice of the Minister. Later, Mr. Atchannaidu went on a boat to see the seaweed culture and cage culture units set up under PMMSY near RK Beach. Special Chief Secretary B. Rajasekhar, Fisheries Commissioner Rama Sankar Naik, Joint Director of Fisheries, Visakhapatnam, P. Lakshmana Rao, head of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Regional Centre Joe K. Kizhakudan, fishermen association leaders P.C. Appa Rao, M. Lakshmana Rao, Narasinga Rao, Balaji and Ch. Veeranna were among those who were present.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Lokesh assures govt's support to tobacco growers
1 2 Vijayawada: HRD and IT minister Nara Lokesh has assured the tobacco growers of extending full support from state govt. He said that the State would request the Centre to intervene and support the tobacco growers. Several tabacco farmers met Lokesh during his visit toAmmanabrolu of Prakasam district on Thursday and expressed their ordeal. They said that the merchants were not picking up their stocks citing poor international demand, while traders were rejecting the stocks in auction platforms without quoting the price to avoid purchase. Lokesh immediately called agriculture minister K Atchannaidu and brought the tobacco farmers' concerns to his notice. He suggested the agriculture minister to discuss the issue with Union commerce ministry officials, if necessary. Atchannaidu told Lokesh that he had been reviewing the situation with the tobacco purchasing companies and tobacco board officials. He explained that he had already asked the traders to immediately increase the price and purchase the entire stock. The agriculture minister also mentioned that a decision had been made to cover transportation charges for distances up to 20 km. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Lokesh asked Atchannaidu to ensure farmers received a fair price as soon as possible. Earlier in the day, Lokesh visited the family of TDP leader and former MPP Muppavarapu Veeraiah Chowdary, who was murdered in Ongole recently. Lokesh paid tribute by garlanding Chowdary's portrait. He consoled the family of the deceased and offered them the party's support. Recalling his bond with Veeraiah Chowdary, Lokesh noted that he had walked along his side during the Yuvagalam Padayatra and worked to strengthen the party. "Govt will ensure that the culprits in Chowdary's murder case face stringent punishment," assured the HRD minister.
