Naidu formulating new policies to strengthen farmers: Nara Lokesh

Andhra Pradesh IT and Rural Development Minister Nara Lokesh on Friday said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is formulating new policies to strengthen farmers.

While speaking at Food and Agri Investment Summit 2017 here, Lokesh said: "Farmers and agriculture sector are facing severe problems across the country. Loan waiver is a short term remedy but not permanent solution to farmers' problems. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is introducing new policies to strengthen farmers. We are developing new policy to give credit rating to farmers."

He explained to the investors how Andhra Pradesh is utilising technology in developing agriculture sector. He called on the agri-tech startup companies and venture capitalists to make investments in the state.

"Andhra Pradesh government has full data of farmlands and crops under cultivation. Using that data and financial technology, we are preparing a model so that banks give loans to farmers at low interest rates. By using sensor technology, we could identify that cotton crop would yield losses, alerted farmers and could reduce 40% cultivation of that crop," Lokesh said.

He further said that the state could yield growth in agriculture despite 28 per cent less rainfall due to good water management techniques.

"We are using plantics app, through which plant can be photographed, its disease is identified, and proper pesticide is suggested. AP (Andhra Pradesh) is also going to introduce drones for soil tests soon. New technology based on data analytics is under development, through which farmers can be given information that which crop will yield good profits and what rate prevailing in markets," Lokesh informed.

He further said: "Our government is proving quality seeds, fertilizers and modern equipment with subsidy so that farmers' investment can be reduced. We welcome new inventions in agriculture. We provide all help to startup companies for infrastructure and other activities."

The minister also said that the state government will conduct agri tech conference in Visakhapatnam next month where Bill and Melinda Gates foundation would also participate.