AMARAVATI: The AP Collectors Conference focused on strengthening farmers’ welfare and improving governance across Andhra Pradesh, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directing district collectors to give special attention to the agricultural sector.
Addressing the sixth collectors’ conference held at the Secretariat on Wednesday, the Chief Minister proposed the establishment of an Indian School of Agriculture, on the lines of the Indian School of Business (ISB), to address various issues in the agriculture sector and provide AI-based agritech services for the benefit of farmers.
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Naidu also announced that water for the Kharif season will be released on May 15. He said the house-warming programme for 2.5 lakh houses will be conducted as a Ugadi gift for beneficiaries. In addition, the government will introduce free bus travel for physically challenged persons under the “Indra Dhanassu” scheme.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for water security, noting that groundwater levels in the state have increased and currently stand at 8.10 metres. He directed district collectors to implement a 90-day water conservation programme from April 1, including desilting operations in all water bodies across the state. He said that 614 TMC of water is available in reservoirs across Andhra Pradesh.
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Naidu said the increase in groundwater levels could help the government save nearly ₹14,000 crore in power subsidy. He also announced that the Veligonda project will be completed by July, while the Polavaram project is expected to be completed by 2027.
The Chief Minister further stated that the government aims to make Andhra Pradesh a land dispute-free state by 2027. As part of this initiative, a special programme will be conducted on the 9th of every month in all districts. Land records will be uploaded on a digital portal using blockchain technology and QR codes for pattadar passbooks to prevent tampering.
Under the “One Family – One Entrepreneur” initiative, Naidu said 1.12 lakh women have already become micro-entrepreneurs, and the government has set a target of creating five lakh women entrepreneurs.
He made it clear that there would be no compromise on law and order, directing collectors to take strict action against those violating rules. Referring to incidents such as diarrhoea cases in Srikakulam, adulterated milk deaths in Rajahmundry and the firecracker unit accident in Vetlapalem, the Chief Minister said negligence and violation of regulations were responsible for such incidents.
Naidu instructed district collectors to undertake eight days of field visits every month, while secretaries should conduct four days of inspections to monitor ground-level conditions.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to provide drinking water connections to every household within two years and internet connectivity through the Fibre Grid network to every home within three years. He urged officials to adopt advanced technology and artificial intelligence, which he described as a game changer in governance, and promote digital literacy for effective use of WhatsApp governance services.
Referring to global conflicts and their possible impact, Naidu asked officials to ensure the safety of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). He also advised authorities to identify alternative markets for agricultural products to protect farmers if international developments affect exports.
