Agri, Fisheries Sector Pivotal To AP Economy: Min Atchan Naidu

Vijayawada: Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchan naidu on Wednesday underscored the pivotal role of agriculture and fisheries in Andhra Pradesh’s economy and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to positioning Andhra Pradesh as the frontrunner in the nation’s growth journey.

He was speaking at the inaugural of Nabard's regional office here. He said agriculture remains predominant in Andhra Pradesh, and fisheries are equally critical for the State’s growth. "Nabard’s relocation to Vijayawada aligns perfectly with Vision 2047, where agriculture and allied sectors will drive economic transformation,” he said.

Atchan Naidu lauded Nabard’s role in rural infrastructure development and assured that the government will extend all possible assistance to Nabard for constructing its own iconic building in Amaravati.

Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav expressed happiness over the relocation of Nabard’s Andhra Pradesh Regional Office to Vijayawada, calling it a timely and strategic decision. He extended his heartfelt best wishes for the new office, emphasising that the move symbolises a deeper commitment to the state’s development aspirations.

The Minister highlighted the critical role of credit flow in stimulating rural growth. “The more you lend, the more transformative the impact on rural communities. This relocation signifies Nabard’s readiness to meet the state’s aspirations for inclusive development,” he remarked.

Nabard Chairman Shaji KV highlighted key initiatives such as tenant farmer financing and the Agristack program. “Nabard is enhancing credit flow to tenant farmers and marginalised communities through innovative measures like the Programmable Central Bank Digital Currency (PCBDC) pilot.

By strengthening field-level interventions and leveraging Agristack, we aim to drive sustainable agricultural productivity and financial inclusion,”

he stated.

The Chairman expressed the organisation’s readiness and enthusiasm for subsequent relocation to its own premises in Amaravati at the earliest. He also highlighted the importance of PACS computerisation and fostering greater cooperation among cooperatives to enhance their operational efficiency and service delivery, further strengthening the cooperative sector's role in

rural development. Further, he dwelt upon the formation of MPACS in the State IAS officer Budithi Rajsekhar harped on the importance of tenant farmers in the state’s agricultural landscape. “Tenant farmers form a significant portion of Andhra Pradesh’s rural economy. Nabard’s focus on enhancing credit access and capacity building for these farmers will be a game changer,” he said.

In his welcome address, Nabard Chief General Manager MR Gopal spoke on the importance of the milestone in bringing Nabard closer to rural communities in Andhra Pradesh and expressed gratitude to the State Government for partnership in driving sustainable rural development.