Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Friday said the State government is working with a long-term vision to transform Andhra Pradesh into a national hub for horticulture and cocoa cultivation, highlighting the sector’s rising contribution to the economy.
He inaugurated the two-day State-Level Cocoa Conclave-2026 organised by the State Horticulture Department at Balaji Gardens Function Hall on Chintalapudi Road. The conclave, which concluded on January 31, focused on strengthening cocoa cultivation, improving quality standards, promoting processing technologies and enhancing market linkages.
Focus on value addition and farmer protection
Atchannaidu said Andhra Pradesh currently ranks first in cocoa production and urged farmers to adopt scientific practices and low-cost, high-quality cultivation methods to expand output. He noted that while agriculture contributes around ₹50,000 crore to the State’s Gross Domestic Product, horticulture contributes nearly ₹1.68 lakh crore, underlining its growing importance
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Announcing a key policy direction, the minister said the government is considering a remunerative price policy for cocoa on the lines of oil palm to shield farmers from market volatility. He also revealed plans to host an international-level horticulture conclave in Vijayawada soon.
Processing units and market intervention
Emphasising value addition, Atchannaidu pointed to the establishment of a Food Processing Society and prioritisation of food processing units across the State. He contrasted the current government’s Market Intervention Scheme with the previous administration, stating that although ₹7,500 crore had been allocated earlier, only ₹1,300 crore reached farmers over five years. In comparison, ₹300 crore was allocated last year and ₹1,200 crore was disbursed within a year.
Principal Secretary of the State Food Processing Society Chiranjeevi Chowdary said the objective is to make cocoa cultivation profitable, low-cost and high-yielding, with scientists guiding farmers on production and processing opportunities.
The conclave drew participation from research institutions, chocolate manufacturers, machinery producers, bankers, investors and farmers. The AP Cocoa Farmers’ Association called for a dedicated Cocoa Board, a research centre and a transparent pricing policy, while also raising concerns over low import duties and syndicate practices.
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