Grow better onion varieties, boost horticulture: Chandrababu Naidu to Kurnool officials

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked officials to encourage farmers in Kurnool district to grow onions of improved varieties, drawing on the district’s past experience with the crop.

After inaugurating the Jonnagiri gold mining project on Wednesday (June 24, 2026), the Chief Minister reviewed development work in the district with Collector A. Siri, Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil and other officials, in the presence of Kurnool MP B. Nagaraju, District In-charge Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu, Industries Minister T.G. Bharath Gupta, Minister for Mines, Geology and Excise Kollu Ravindra, and district MLAs.

“Horticultural cultivation in the district must be significantly increased. Horticultural cultivation is very low in Pattikonda constituency. Measures must be taken to increase perennial horticulture cultivation alongside drip irrigation,” he said.

Drawing from past experiences with onion farming, he said farmers should be sensitised to cultivate onions using improved varieties. Better agricultural development must be achieved through scientific methods, and measures should be taken to boost people’s incomes, the Chief Minister said.

When Water Resources Minister Ramanaidu said ₹100 crore was required for the repair of irrigation projects, the Chief Minister ordered that the works be undertaken immediately and completed within six months. “Works related to 246 tanks under the ‘Jaladhara-Jalaharathi’ initiative must be completed within this season. Water conservation measures such as check-dam repairs and contour trenches must be undertaken to raise groundwater levels by three metres,” he said.

The Chief Minister advised analysing the conditions in specific areas and implementing measures to raise groundwater levels by adopting various technical methods. He directed officials to ensure the construction of pothole-free roads and to guarantee a proper supply of drinking water to the public.

The Chief Minister said there was positive feedback on urea supply and seeds; he directed officials to create awareness about the ‘Seed App’ and ensure that farmers face no difficulties. He also ordered better facilities and overall progress for students residing in BC and SC hostels.

Mr. Chandrababu Naidu commended the officials for the increased satisfaction levels on the land re-survey in the district. Asking the district officials to provide better services to build public confidence in the administration, he asked them to work collectively to achieve good results.