Atchannaidu challenges Jagan to a debate on agriculture, Rayalaseema development
The government is prepared for a crop-wise discussion on insurance, subsidies, compensation and other farmer-welfare measures, says the Agriculture Minister
Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu on Sunday rebuked YSRCP leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for his comments on the government's achievements in agriculture and Rayalaseema development. Atchannaidu proposed a debate based on official data to challenge the opposition. The ₹1 lakh crore investment mobilisation under the Global Horticulture Hub-Rising Rayalaseema project includes ₹40,000 crore from the Purvodaya programme and ₹60,000 crore from the private sector.
Atchannaidu clarified that private investment cannot be considered a state budget allocation. Horticulture growth rates for 2014-19, 2019-24, and 2024-25 were 17%, 9%, and 21% respectively. The area under horticultural crops expanded by 2.91 lakh hectares in 2014-19, 83,000 hectares in 2019-24, and 71,000 hectares in the current year.
The Atchannaidu administration reinstated subsidies for micro-irrigation and oil palm cultivation. The government spent ₹800 crore in 2025-26 to aid farmers, with ₹271 crore allocated for tobacco, ₹261 crore for mangoes, and ₹125 crore for onions. The Atchannaidu administration also compensated 81 farmer families and submitted bills for ₹10.50 crore for 150 families.
The government is ready for a crop-specific discussion on insurance, subsidies, compensation, and other farmer welfare measures.
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