Andhra Pradesh Launches ₹1 Lakh-Crore Global Horticulture Hub

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan launched the Rayalaseema Rising Global Horticulture Hub in Madanapalle on October 2, 2026. The ₹1 lakh-crore initiative aims to transform the Rayalaseema region into the "Fruit Bowl of India" by expanding horticulture cultivation from 8.41 lakh hectares to 14.41 lakh hectares.

The project will be implemented in three phases across 10 districts, including Chittoor, Tirupati, and Anantapur, covering 201 clusters and 5,869 villages. The government will provide ₹40,352 crore through the Purvodaya scheme, while the remaining ₹60,000 crore is expected from private investors. Planned investments include ₹20,884 crore for irrigation, ₹14,906 crore for horticulture development, and ₹4,562 crore for rural roads. The hub focuses on crops such as mango, banana, and avocado, with the goal of doubling production to 435 lakh metric tonnes to benefit approximately 9.6 lakh farmers.

During the event, leaders also laid the foundation stone for the Indian School of Agriculture in Madanapalle. This research and innovation center will be established and managed in partnership with Reliance Industries Limited to provide technology-driven guidance to farmers.