Kadapa Collector Sreedhar Cherukuri appealed to the farmers to take up horticultural crops on a large scale by utilising the schemes offered by the government and also in view of the congenial climatic conditions available in the district. It may be recalled that the State government had already declared its intention to make Rayalaseema a horticultural hub.

As part of ‘Rythanna Meekosam’, the weeklong farmer outreach programme conducted by the government, the Collector visited various farms in Chennur, Khajipet and Kadapa rural mandals on Tuesday.

The Collector inspected fertilizers outlets to check the availability of seeds, fertilizers, and farmer related services. Similarly, during an interaction with farmers, he inquired about the services offered by the agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and allied departments to help them tide over the agricultural crisis.

In Kadapa rural, he inspected the shade net house nursery in Palempalle village, which was developed with ₹22.70 lakh at a subsidy of 50% provided under National Horticultural Mission. He emphasised the role of such nurseries in extending disease-resistant and high-yielding seeds and saplings.

Mr. Sreedhar also inspected the veterinary clinic and village secretariat in Ramannapalle village to check for the availability of the essential drugs and staff to render services to the farmers.

The Collector’s entourage also visited Chemullapalle in Khajipeta mandal, where papaya, banana, and flowers are cultivated under micro irrigation system. He called upon the farmers to opt for long-term crops under suitable conditions and to ensure a sustainable income.

District Agricultural Officer Subrahmanyeswara Rao and District Horticultural Officer Ravichandra Babu also accompanied him.