Atchannaidu challenges Jagan to a debate on agriculture, Rayalaseema development
Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu has challenged YSRCP leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to a public debate regarding agricultural performance and development in Rayalaseema. The Minister defended the current government's record by citing growth statistics in horticulture and increased support for farmers.
Why it matters
This political exchange highlights the ongoing debate over regional development and agricultural policy effectiveness in Andhra Pradesh.
Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu on Sunday criticised YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for his remarks on the government’s performance in agriculture and development of Rayalaseema, and challenged him to a debate based on official data.
Mr. Atchannaidu said the proposed ₹1 lakh crore investment mobilisation under the Global Horticulture Hub-Rising Rayalaseema initiative comprised about ₹40,000 crore through the Purvodaya programme and ₹60,000 crore from the private sector. “Private investment cannot be treated as a State budget allocation,” the Minister said.
He said horticulture growth was 17% during 2014-19, 9% during 2019-24, and 21% in 2024-25. The area under horticultural crops increased by 2.91 lakh hectares during 2014-19 and 83,000 hectares during 2019-24, while the present government added 71,000 hectares in one year, the Minister said.
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