Agriculture Minister Prattipati Pulla Rao has invited investments in agriculture and allied sectors by private companies to increase yields and make farming profitable in Andhra Pradesh.
Companies should take up demonstration adopting 5,000 to 25,000 acres with the aim of increasing yield by two to five quintals and the government will provide Rs.5,000 per acre, he said.
He was addressing a conference on “Agricultural investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh,” organised by the Agriculture Department, Small Farmers Agri-business Consortium (SFAC) of the Government of India and FICCI here.
CMDs and representatives of 25 companies are participating. The State has opportunities to set up warehouses, seed and fertilizer units at international standards, he said.
The State stood first in fisheries with more than 50 per cent exports.
The Chief Minister had discussions with companies like WALMART, Jubilant and Pepsico to explore horticulture potential.
He said companies may come out with proposals for entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the State government after a meeting with the Chief Minister. Under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVV) State and Central governments would offer subsidies.
Managing Director of SFAC Parvesh Sharma said the basic aim of Public Private Partnership in Integrated Agriculture Development was to increase the primary producer’s share in the value chain from 25-30 per cent to the international average of 50 per cent.
While the government would contribute 50 per cent of the cost of projects, the remaining should come from private companies or from farmers.
CMD of NSPL M. Prabhakara Rao said providing market linkages would benefit farmers, investors and consumers. After participation for three years in Maharashtra, his company would submit proposals for fourth year.
Panchayat Raj Minister Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu, HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister for Labour K. Achhen Naidu and Agriculture Commissioner K. Madhusudhana Rao spoke.
Special Chief Secretary, Planning, S P Tucker, was present. Ruchira Saini from FICCI coordinated.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – February 25th, 2015