Food Security in Andhra Pradesh | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Food Production in Andhra Pradesh

• Andhra Pradesh is a significant producer of food grains in India and ranks among the top 3 rice-producing states alongside Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Factors such as the availability of skilled labor, favorable climate, and affordable land prices make Andhra Pradesh an ideal location for large-scale agriculture.
• Agricultural Productivity Growth: Over the years, Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a consistent increase in agricultural productivity. Weather forecasts indicate a good monsoon this year, with the state expected to produce around 18 million metric tons of food grains in 2016-2017, a significant increase from the 136.73 lakh tons produced last year. The state is also aiming to boost the yield of crops like groundnut, pulses, maize, and oil seeds in anticipation of higher rainfall.
• Industrial Growth and Consumption: Andhra Pradesh is experiencing rapid growth in the number of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and private enterprises, leading to a substantial increase in consumption. Enhancing agricultural productivity is closely linked to meeting the demands of the growing population and making farming less burdensome for farmers.
• Government Support for Farmers: The government of Andhra Pradesh is providing significant subsidies to farmers to help them access the best resources for their crops. Expanding the crop area is expected to contribute significantly to the agricultural profits of the state, with estimates suggesting a 5% increase in crop production area in the upcoming year.

Challenges in Agricultural Production

• Water Scarcity Impact on Yield Generation: The insufficiency of water for irrigation significantly reduced crop yield last year. This issue is expected to be resolved with the forecast of adequate rainfall this year.
• AGROCORP's Agricultural Ventures in Andhra Pradesh: AGROCORP identified Andhra Pradesh as an ideal location for high returns in agriculture and established its farms in Hindupur in 2012 to cultivate a variety of crops on a large scale.
• Crops Cultivated: AGROCORP grows crops such as Melia Dubia, tomatoes, chili peppers, gherkin, turmeric, and other high-profit crops to benefit its investors.
• Contribution to Agricultural Productivity: Through its initiatives, AGROCORP has a notable share in enhancing the agricultural productivity of Andhra Pradesh.
• Reforms in Targeted Public Distribution System: The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) has undergone significant changes to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.
• Establishment of Scientific Warehouses: The A.P. State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd or authorized entities now maintain warehouses at different levels to store food grains required for TPDS and other welfare programs.
• Licensing System for Fair Price Shops: A structured licensing system has been implemented for fair price shops to ensure compliance with regulations and benefit the public.
• Government-controlled Distribution Outlets: In the interest of the public, the State Government may replace private vendors with government-controlled outlets for the distribution of essential goods to specific groups.

Food and Agriculture Sector in Andhra Pradesh

Economic Growth in Agriculture

• The agricultural and allied sectors in Andhra Pradesh witnessed significant growth during FY 2016-17, with agriculture expanding at 16.79%, fisheries at 30.09%, and livestock at 12.18%.
• This sector contributed 27.8% of the state's Gross Value Added (GVA) amounting to ₹1,38,833 crores at 2011-12 constant prices.

Production Statistics

• According to the Economic Survey of Andhra Pradesh 2016-17, the production of food grains reached 156.85 lakh tons, while oilseeds production stood at 24.62 lakh tons.
• In the food grains segment, there was an increase in production of paddy, bajra, maize, ragi, and pulses, while jowar, various millets, and wheat saw a decrease.
• Among oilseeds, groundnut and castor production declined, whereas sesame production increased.

Impact of Precipitation

• During FY 2016-17, Andhra Pradesh experienced a 28% deficit in rainfall compared to the average, with a 4% shortage during the South West monsoon and a 71% shortfall during the North East monsoon.
• The total irrigated area to the net sown area was 50.38%, affecting crop yields. The Kharif season crops had sufficient water, but the Rabi season crops suffered due to precipitation deficiency and reduced water levels in reservoirs from December 2016.

Manure Utilization and Farming Yield

• Manure usage in farming output has decreased in recent years possibly due to limited data availability up to 2016 and the impact of neem-coated urea on other fertilizers.

Role of Cultivation, Livestock, and Fisheries in Food Security

• Cultivation, livestock, and fisheries collectively contribute significantly to the agriculture sector with cultivation showing rapid growth, followed by livestock.
• Andhra Pradesh ranks high in egg, meat, and milk production nationally, showcasing its agricultural diversity.
• The Gross Value Added (GVA) of the livestock sector surpasses that of manufacturing, construction, and real estate, highlighting its economic importance.

GVA Estimates in Andhra Pradesh Sectors

• The GVA of agriculture is higher than trade, hotel, transport, and storage sectors, emphasizing its economic significance.

Contribution to Fish and Shrimp Production

• Andhra Pradesh leads in total fish and shrimp production, contributing over 70% of the country's farmed shrimp and holding a prominent global position in shrimp and aquaculture production.
• The state plays a vital role in national and global fish production, showcasing its significance in the fisheries sector.

Agribusiness and Allied Sectors

• Agribusiness and allied sectors' Gross Value Added (GVA) at constant prices (2011-12) were analyzed, with 2016-17 figures as estimates.
• The agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors play a significant role in the agribusiness and allied industries, surpassing the traditional agricultural sector in terms of growth and value.
• In the fiscal year 2017-18, a substantial portion of the budget (₹1,015 crores for agriculture, ₹1,112 crores for livestock, and ₹282 crores for fisheries) was allocated to these performing sectors, totaling ₹9,091 crores for agriculture and related segments.
• More budget allocations were directed towards the targeted farming sector compared to the developing allied sectors.
• The growth rate of 14.03% in agriculture and related sectors indicates a positive trend, benefiting approximately 62% of the state's population reliant on these industries.
• Positive outcomes include increased farm incomes, improved financial conditions for dependent families, and regular repayment of loans by farmers.
• Government initiatives such as farm loan waivers, free electricity supply, fertilizer subsidies, and access to credit aim to enhance farm-level incomes and support vulnerable sections engaged in agricultural and allied activities.