Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has reassured chilli farmers that the state government is actively working to address the recent decline in chilli prices. Speaking to the media in New Delhi, Naidu attributed the sharp drop in prices to reduced global demand, which has impacted farmers who previously benefited from high international market rates. He urged farmers not to panic and assured them that necessary support measures are being discussed with the Central government.

The Andhra Pradesh government had initially planned to procure 12 lakh metric tonnes of chilli this year, but so far, only four lakh metric tonnes have been purchased. To tackle the situation, Naidu engaged in a video conference with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is currently on tour. The minister is scheduled to conduct a review meeting with officials on Friday to assess possible relief measures and government interventions.The chilli price slump has raised concerns among farmers, as many had expected stable market conditions similar to previous years. The fall in demand, coupled with fluctuating agricultural input costs, has made it difficult for farmers to secure profitable returns. Naidu reiterated that the state government is committed to assisting farmers in overcoming these challenges and that discussions with the Central government will lead to potential relief measures soon.
 

Discussions on Water Resource Management and Infrastructure Projects

In addition to addressing agricultural concerns, Naidu also discussed critical water resource management and infrastructure projects with the Centre. He met with Union Minister Ramesh Patil to deliberate on key issues related to the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Polavaram project.During the discussions, Naidu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to completing the Polavaram project by 2027, emphasizing the need for Central assistance in funding and execution. He also proposed diverting water from Polavaram to Banakacherla to optimize resource utilization and improve irrigation in drought-prone regions. As a result of these discussions, central representatives are expected to visit Andhra Pradesh in the coming weeks to evaluate the proposal and determine the feasibility of the project.
 

The Polavaram project, which has been a long-standing priority for Andhra Pradesh, is expected to play a crucial role in addressing water scarcity and boosting agricultural productivity. Naidu highlighted that the TDP-led NDA government is focused on ensuring the timely completion of major infrastructure projects to enhance economic growth and sustainability.Water resource management remains a key aspect of the state government’s long-term development strategy. Naidu emphasized that efficient utilization of resources, along with government-backed initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission, will help improve irrigation facilities, enhance drinking water supply, and support sustainable agriculture in Andhra Pradesh.
 

The Andhra Pradesh government is actively working with the Centre to secure financial and logistical support for ongoing projects. Naidu assured the public that the government is committed to resolving challenges faced by farmers and ensuring the completion of critical projects that will benefit the state's agricultural and industrial sectors.With upcoming discussions and planned visits from central representatives, Andhra Pradesh is looking forward to receiving necessary assistance in addressing both short-term agricultural concerns and long-term infrastructure goals. As the state moves forward with its development agenda, Naidu’s proactive engagement with the Central government reflects his administration’s focus on economic stability, farmer welfare, and efficient governance.