Naidu pushes ₹40,000 crore Purvodaya plan to boost irrigation and rural growth

The Hindu
The Hindu
1d ago • 2 views
Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu urged swift preparation of ₹40,000 crore Purvodaya Scheme projects focused on irrigation, horticulture, and rural infrastructure to promote agrarian and regional development.
Naidu pushes ₹40,000 crore Purvodaya plan to boost irrigation and rural growth
A What happened
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh held a review meeting on December 9, 2025, emphasizing the swift preparation of project proposals under the Purvodaya Scheme, which is expected to mobilize ₹40,000 crore for the integrated development of all state regions. He highlighted the strategic allocation of ₹20,000 crore to irrigation and ₹20,000 crore to infrastructure, including ₹5,000 crore for constructing new rural roads to improve connectivity to national and state highways. Naidu called for developing 82 horticulture clusters across Prakasam district and Rayalaseema to expand horticulture cultivation to 20 lakh acres. The meeting also prioritized completing 23 major and medium irrigation projects and rehabilitating 1,021 tanks to ensure sufficient water supply for horticulture. Among notable initiatives, officials discussed the ₹58,700-crore Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar linkage project poised to irrigate 7 lakh new acres and stabilize water supply for 6 lakh existing acres, along with providing drinking water to 60 lakh residents in Nellore and Prakasam districts. Plans to divert floodwaters from the Godavari and Krishna rivers were also considered to augment resources. Faster progress on projects in North Andhra and promotion of natural and organic farming in Agency areas were stressed. Additionally, a ₹169-crore river linking project to connect the Vamsadhara, Nagavali, and Champavati rivers was slated for action. Senior officials, including the Finance and Water Resources Ministers, participated in the review session, underscoring coordinated governance efforts.

Key insights

  • 1

    Significant budget allocation for integrated development: The Purvodaya Scheme aims to deploy ₹40,000 crore with equal emphasis on irrigation and infrastructure to support agricultural and rural growth across Andhra Pradesh.

  • 2

    Focus on irrigation and horticulture expansion: Priority is placed on completing irrigation projects and creating 82 horticulture clusters targeting 20 lakh acres to enhance water security and agricultural output.

  • 3

    Major river linkage and water diversion projects: The Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar linkage and plans to divert water from Godavari and Krishna rivers are key measures to increase irrigation capacity and potable water access.

Takeaways

The Purvodaya Scheme, guided by Naidu’s directives, represents a comprehensive approach to revitalizing Andhra Pradesh’s irrigation and rural infrastructure, aiming for expansive agricultural development and better regional connectivity.

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Climate & Environment Agriculture Business & Markets Economy World & Politics Development