Rayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub

Relevance: APPSC: Andhra Pradesh Economy, Agriculture, Rayalaseema Development and Current Affairs

Important Keywords for Prelims and Mains

Why in News?

The Andhra Pradesh government is launching the ₹1 lakh crore Global Horticulture Hub at Madanapalle to transform Rayalaseema into a major fruit-production, processing and export region.Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan are associated with the launch.

What is the Horticulture Hub?

The project seeks to develop an integrated horticulture ecosystem covering:

irrigation and drip-irrigation systems;
expansion of fruit cultivation;
rural roads and logistics;
food-processing facilities;
storage and supply chains;
and export infrastructure.

The government aims to give Andhra Pradesh a “fruit bowl” identity, alongside its traditional image as a “rice bowl”.

What is its Geographical Coverage?

The project will cover:

10 districts
303 mandals
5,869 villages
201 horticulture clusters
approximately 9.6 lakh farmers

What are its Major Targets?

Cultivation

Existing horticulture area: 8.41 lakh hectares
Proposed area: 14.41 lakh hectares
Additional area: 6 lakh hectares

Production

Existing production: 222 lakh metric tonnes
Targeted production: 435 lakh metric tonnes

Irrigation

Create irrigation potential for approximately 9 lakh acres.
Stabilise irrigation facilities over another 4.3 lakh acres.

What is the Investment Plan?

The overall proposed investment is approximately ₹1 lakh crore.

Government Investment: ₹40,352 Crore

Irrigation: ₹20,884 crore
Horticulture development: ₹14,906 crore
Rural roads: ₹4,562 crore

Private Investment: Around ₹60,000 Crore

Private investment will mainly be encouraged in:

food-processing units;
value-addition facilities;
logistics;
supply-chain development;
and export infrastructure.

The detailed public-investment components together amount to the proposed government outlay of ₹40,352 crore.

What Infrastructure Will be Developed?

The project proposes:

irrigation networks;
drip-irrigation facilities;
rural roads;
farm-to-market connectivity;
logistics and transport systems;
food-processing units;
storage and packaging facilities;
and export-support infrastructure.

These facilities are intended to connect production areas with processing centres and domestic and international markets.

Which Crops Will be Promoted?

Major horticultural crops proposed for promotion include:

Other high-value fruits and vegetables may also be developed according to regional suitability and market demand.

What are the Expected Outcomes?

Higher production: Nearly double horticultural output.
Crop diversification: Reduce excessive dependence on conventional field crops.
Farmer income: Improve returns through processing, exports and better market access.
Reduced losses: Limit losses between harvesting and final sale.
Value addition: Encourage grading, packaging and food processing.
Export growth: Develop Rayalaseema as an export-oriented horticulture region.
Regional development: Create economic opportunities in a drought-prone region.
Private participation: Mobilise capital for processing, logistics and exports.

Conclusion

The Global Horticulture Hub seeks to transform Rayalaseema through irrigation expansion, high-value cultivation, food processing and export connectivity. Its success will depend on coordinated implementation, efficient water use and strong market linkages that convert higher production into better farmer incomes.

CARE MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Rayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub:

It proposes to develop 201 horticulture clusters across 10 districts.
It aims to increase horticulture cultivation from 8.41 lakh hectares to 14.41 lakh hectares.
The entire proposed investment will be provided exclusively by the State government.
Food processing and export infrastructure form part of the project.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The project covers 201 clusters across 10 districts, 303 mandals and 5,869 villages.
Statement 2 is correct: It aims to expand horticultural cultivation from 8.41 lakh hectares to 14.41 lakh hectares.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The entire investment is not being provided by the government. Government investment is proposed at ₹40,352 crore, while approximately ₹60,000 crore is expected from private investors.
Statement 4 is correct: The project includes food-processing facilities, logistics, value addition and export infrastructure.

Therefore, statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct, making option (b) the correct answer.