Vijayawada:In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Andhra Pradesh is set to establish a dedicated “Cocoa City” as a flagship project to transform the agricultural landscape.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to develop the area as a 250-acre experience centre for aspiring cocoa farmers. The project, which would serve as a knowledge and innovation hub, is expected to anchor the state’s broader strategy of ensuring higher income and sustainability in farming.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on agriculture and allied sectors in Undavalli on Friday, the CM emphasised that farmer security and enhanced income must remain the core objectives of all policies. He asked officials to guide farmers towards cultivating high-demand and profitable crops, while encouraging diversified farming practices to ensure year-round cultivation.
The proposed cocoa city would be developed in a location identified by the government and is envisioned as a platform for training, demonstrations and market linkages. Officials have been asked to ensure that this becomes a centre of excellence that promotes innovation and supports farmers entering cocoa cultivation.
According to the primary proposals, the cocoa city project is centered near Eluru, with intensive cultivation proposed for surrounding areas like Pangidigudem, Dwarka Tirumala mandal. The city would feature an integrated hub with international standards for processing and marketing, aiming to enhance the value of local cocoa production.
Cocoa is cultivated in nearly 44,984 acres in Eluru district, with a production of about 10,000 metric tonnes, making it the top cocoa-producing district in the country.
The CM also directed the preparation of an action plan to expand horticulture cultivation across 50 lakh acres, with a special focus on transforming Rayalaseema into a global horticulture hub through cluster-based development. Efforts are under way to promote crops such as avocado, fig, guava, jackfruit and pepper, while also enhancing value addition by processing fruits like figs into dry products.
Naidu stated, “With cocoa city at the forefront, Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a pioneer in innovative, climate-resilient, and income-oriented agriculture.”
Highlighting sustainable practices, the CM called for scaling up natural farming to 11 lakh hectares this year, covering 25 lakh farmers across all 13,300 gram panchayats. He recommended reduced urea usage and stressed the need for certification mechanisms to help farmers secure better prices for natural produce.
Addressing climate concerns, officials briefed the CM about the potential impact of El Niño, which may result in below-average rainfall – a deficit of eight per cent. Rainfed regions, particularly in districts such as Anantapur, Kurnool and Prakasam, are likely to be affected.
As a mitigation measure, the government is implementing the Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing technique across 20 lakh acres, which would enhance yields and provide farmers an additional income of `5,000 to `7,000 per acre.
Naidu said, “In addition, the state has launched the AP Mushroom Mission 2026–31, targeting an annual production of one lakh metric tonnes. Expansion of saffron cultivation in the Araku region and experimental apple farming in Anantapur are also being explored.”
Digital initiatives are gaining traction, with over eight lakh farmers registered on the Farmer App, which integrates data on crops, soil health, inputs and government schemes. The CM stressed that effective utilisation of the app is as important as registrations.
The government, the CM added, is also planning doorstep delivery of produce from Rythu Bazaars and additional support for dairy and livestock activities to enhance incomes for small and marginal farmers.
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