Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh — October 1, 2026: Andhra Pradesh is preparing to launch a Rs 1 lakh crore integrated horticulture hub aimed at expanding high-value agriculture, food processing and allied activities across Rayalaseema, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu scheduled to lay the foundation stone at Madanapalle on October 2, officials and state minister S. Savitha said. The project will also cover parts of Prakasam and Nellore districts.
Speaking at a press conference in Pulivendula after a tractor rally held in support of the project, Savitha, the state BC Welfare Minister and Kadapa district in-charge minister, said the initiative could position Rayalaseema as a major horticulture centre in India. She said the government’s broader objective was to promote what it calls “Rising Rayalaseema” through irrigation projects, horticulture, industries and related infrastructure.
The proposed investment is expected to combine public and private funding. Recent reports on the government’s plan put the public component at about Rs 40,000 crore, including central support, while another Rs 60,000 crore is expected from private investment. The project is designed to strengthen the horticulture value chain, including cultivation, processing, storage, marketing and market access.
The October 2 programme at Madanapalle is also expected to include the foundation stone for an Indian School of Agriculture, with Reliance involved in the proposed institution. The horticulture hub is intended to integrate modern farming practices with post-harvest infrastructure and agricultural enterprises, with the government seeking to expand horticulture activity in areas affected by water scarcity.
Savitha said the coalition government had been pursuing irrigation and development projects alongside welfare programmes since taking office. She contrasted the current administration’s approach with the previous YSR Congress Party government, alleging that the previous government failed to fulfil several election promises. Those remarks were made in a political context as the minister addressed supporters and party workers in Pulivendula.
The event in Pulivendula featured a large tractor rally covering about four kilometres from the local Telugu Desam Party office toward the mini office. Savitha personally drove a tractor during the rally, which was attended by farmers, coalition leaders and party workers. Reports said around 300 tractors participated in the rally, which was organised to express support for the proposed horticulture hub.
Savitha also said the project would benefit farmers by expanding horticulture-related economic activity and creating opportunities around processing, storage and marketing. The state government has described the initiative as part of a longer-term strategy to use Rayalaseema’s agricultural potential and build an integrated horticulture economy across the region.
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