The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, today stated that Andhra Pradesh is confident of achieving a growth rate of 10 per cent during the XII Plan period.
Addressing the National Development Council (NDC) meet today at Delhi, Mr Reddy said the corresponding sectoral growth targets would be 6 per cent for agriculture, 10.5 per cent for industry and 11.5 per cent for services.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, Mr Reddy said the minimum support price fixed for foodgrains should compulsorily take into account the scientifically calculated cost of cultivation while being remunerative to farmers. He felt this is specifically relevant to AP since the State substantially contributes to the national food requirement and food security.
Covering the important aspect of storage of foodgrains, the Chief Minister sought additional 25 lakh tonnes of storage capacity in the State, which he contended was in the broader interest of the nation.
Glossing over the Jalyaganam project, Mr Reddy mentioned the State had taken up 86 irrigation projects with a massive outlay of Rs 1.86 lakh crore. This outlay covers creation of new ayacut, stabilisation of existing areas under cultivation, modernisation and flood control works taken up in a comprehensive manner.
He said AP ranks high in meat and egg production and accounts for 40 per cent of fishery export.
During the luncheon meeting with the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, he wanted the Centre to increase remunerative prices to farmers and also wanted to declare both the Polaravam and Pranahitha-Chevella as national projects.