Ensure better prices for agricultural produce: CM Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called for a strategic and commercial approach to enhance the production supply chain of key crops such as tobacco, mango, and cocoa. He urged officials to focus on ensuring profitable returns for farmers, citing the unique challenges in managing pricing and logistics for these high-value crops.
Presiding over a review meeting at the State Secretariat on Wednesday, Naidu underlined the need to view agriculture through a production supply chain management lens that includes logistics, pricing, and market linkages.

“Farmers must be protected, and we must think commercially to ensure they get the best possible prices for their hard-earned produce,” Naidu stated.

These centers are set to accelerate tobacco procurement starting June 19, streamlining the production supply logistics and improving market access for farmers.

The state has also recorded 12,000 tonnes of cocoa production this season, with 10,000 tonnes already sold. Current procurement levels stand at 80–100 tonnes per day, and the Chief Minister directed officials to complete the remaining procurement by the first week of July.

By encouraging a commercial mindset, the state aims to bridge the gap between production vs manufacturing, where agricultural goods are traditionally seen as low-margin outputs. Naidu emphasized that treating agriculture with a business-oriented approach including warehousing, price forecasting, and structured distribution will transform outcomes for farmers.

“This is not just about what is production in agriculture, but how we manage, store, and sell that production effectively,” Naidu noted.

With Andhra Pradesh taking decisive steps to optimize its production supply chain, the government is laying the foundation for a more resilient and profitable agriculture economy. Enhanced procurement systems and logistics planning will not only stabilize farmer incomes but also reduce post-harvest losses and inefficiencies.