Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the proposed Global Horticulture Hub is expected to give a major boost to horticulture and create new opportunities for farmers in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.

Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for the Rayalaseema Global Horticulture Hub and the Indian School of Agriculture at Madanapalle in Annamayya district yesterday. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan attended the programme.

Addressing the gathering, the Finance Minister said the Centre and Andhra Pradesh government are jointly working to establish the state as an important horticulture centre. She stressed the importance of efficient water management, modern technology and stronger infrastructure to help farmers increase their income.

She also highlighted initiatives including PM KISAN, crop insurance and PM KUSUM. According to her, efforts are being made to encourage climate resilient crop varieties and the use of solar powered pumps in agriculture.

Sitharaman said the Indian School of Agriculture would help farmers gain access to modern technology, scientific farming practices and research. She expressed confidence that the institution could eventually develop into a world class centre.

The Global Horticulture Hub will extend across ten districts and focus on crops such as mango, banana, tomato and pomegranate. The project is planned in three phases and is estimated to involve an investment of around one lakh crore rupees.