Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural sector is on the cusp of a major transformation with the inclusion of four of its districts—Annamayya, Sri Sathya Sai, Anantapur, and Alluri Sitharama Raju—among the 100 ‘Aspirational Agricultural Districts’ under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY). This significant initiative was unveiled in the Union Budget 2025–26, promising a brighter future for farmers across the state.
Speaking to reporters in Rayachoti on Friday, Lanka Dinakar, Chairman of the Twenty-Point Programme Implementation Committee, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He lauded the Prime Minister for acknowledging Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural potential and for allocating a substantial ₹24,000 crore annually for six years to ensure the successful implementation of this crucial project.
Mr. Dinakar also extended his appreciation to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, highlighting his pivotal role in securing the project for Andhra Pradesh.
Detailing the scheme’s objectives, Mr. Dinakar explained, “The PMDDKY, targeting 100 districts nationwide with lower agricultural productivity, is designed to significantly boost farm output, promote diverse crop cultivation, enhance irrigation facilities, refine post-harvest management, and improve access to vital farm credit.” He further noted that the scheme would seamlessly integrate 36 Central government programs from 11 different Ministries with relevant State initiatives, all while concentrating on 73 key development indicators, with 46 of these being measurable outcomes.
The selection of Annamayya district, according to Mr. Dinakar, was primarily due to its challenging climatic conditions and prevailing rural backwardness. He emphasized that strong, coordinated efforts between both the Central and State governments—what he termed a ‘double engine government’—are essential for the comprehensive development of such underserved regions.
To ensure robust oversight, the scheme’s progress will be meticulously monitored by dedicated committees established at the district, state, and national levels. The much-anticipated formal launch of the PMDDKY by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025.