Amaravati, November 23, 2025: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu instructed agriculture and horticulture officials to swiftly move Rayalaseema's banana produce to major urban centres and export hubs, addressing delays that lead to spoilage and lost revenue for growers.
The directive, issued during a review meeting, focuses on streamlining cold chain logistics and transport from districts like Anantapur and Kurnool, where banana cultivation spans over 50,000 hectares, to markets in Hyderabad, Chennai, and beyond.
Naidu emphasised the need for immediate action to capitalise on the crop's peak season, estimating that better handling could add Rs 500 crore to the state's economy annually.
He called for coordination with private players for refrigerated trucks and market linkages, while warning against middlemen who exploit farmers. The push aligns with the government's broader agro-export strategy, targeting a 20% rise in horticulture revenues.
