AGRICULTURAL RICH
Andhra Pradesh’s
natural resources are in plenty. Nearly 75% of its
territory, is covered by the basins of three big rivers viz., Godavari, Krishna
and Pennar and their tributaries. In
addition, there are 17 short rivers like Sarada, Nagavali, Musi and other streams.
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Godavari and
Krishna, the two major perennial rivers, with their extensive canal system provide
assured irrigation. Endowed with fertile
land, water and a range of agro-climatic conditions, Andhra Pradesh is an agriculturally
prosperous state.
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The State is
the largest producer of rice in India. It is also the leading
producer of cash crops like Tobacco, Groundnut, Chillies, Turmeric, Oilseeds,
Cotton, Sugar and Jute.
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Andhra Pradesh
produces some of the finest varieties of Mangoes, Grapes, Guavas, Sapotas, Papayas
and Bananas.
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The foodgrain
production was of the order of 136.97 lakh tones during 1999-2000 as against the
normal of 122.68 lakh tones.
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1,16,106 progressive
farmers were trained through Farmers’ Training Centers.
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Andhra Pradesh
is favourably placed with respect to Agriculture.
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The key strengths
of the state are:
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A wide range
of agro-climatic conditions suitable for a variety of crops.
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Extensive water
sources.
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Large area under
vegetables, fruits, flowers & plantation crops – 5,92,655 ha.
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Average rainfall of the State
– 925 mm., i.e. the rainfall is between 561 –1161 mm.
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A variety of
natural sources and important rivers for irrigation.
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Andhra Pradesh
has one Agricultural University and 7 Agricultural Colleges.
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It also has
strong R&D infrastructure and institutions like CCMB, ICRISAT, NAARM, MANAGE
AND NIRD.
| Production
of Foodgrains & Cash crops: | (1999- 2000 figures) |
| | (Metric
tones) | | Rice, Wheat,
Jowar, Bajra, Maize Other Millets & Pulses | 136,97,000 |
| Sugarcane | 185,08,000 |
| Groundnut | 10,89,000 |
| Chillies | 4,96,000 |
| Tobacco | 1,93,000 |
| Cotton (Lakh
bales) | 15,79,000 |
| Sunflower | 1,59,000 |
| Mesta (Lakh
bales) | 6,23,000 |
| Castor | 59,000 |
| | |
| 2000-01 ( Advance Estimates of Bureau of Economics
and Statistics, as on 1.05.2001) | | Food grains | 150,35,000 |
| Sugar Cane | 194,05,000 |
| Ground Nut | 22,29,000 |
| Chillies | 4,68,000 |
| Tobacco | 82,000 |
| Cotton (lakh
bales) | 16,08,000 |
| Sun flower | 1,66,000 |
| Mesta( lakh
bales) | 6, 87,000 |
| Castor | 1, 34,000 | | |
| |
|