Naidu Unveils ISA, Pushes Farmer Welfare and Water Security

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday announced plans to set up an Indian School of Agriculture (ISA) in Andhra Pradesh, modelled on the Indian School of Business (ISB). The institute will address farm-related issues and provide AI-driven agri-tech solutions to farmers.

Speaking at the 6th Collectors’ Conference at the Secretariat, Mr. Naidu said kharif season water will be released on May 15. He also announced a free bus travel scheme for differently-abled persons, named ‘Indra Dhanassu’.

Highlighting water security, the CM instructed Collectors to implement a 90-day water conservation drive from April 1, including desilting of tanks and reservoirs. He noted that 614 tmc ft of water is available in state reservoirs and directed the timely completion of the Veligonda project by July and Polavaram by 2027.

On governance, he said a special programme for land dispute resolution will be held on the 9th of every month. He reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on law and order violations and urged officials to ensure drinking water access for all households within two years and improve digital literacy.

Under the third phase of the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, financial aid will be disbursed on March 13, along with mass house-warming ceremonies for 2.50 lakh beneficiaries as an Ugadi gift. The CM added that the cost of power will drop by 39 paise per unit this year and called for fast-tracking investment proposals, including the AM/NS and Kadapa steel plants, by 2028.

On industrial growth, Naidu directed the development of Kopparthy and Orvakal as major hubs and an MSME Park in each of the 175 Assembly constituencies. He also addressed the West Asia conflict, urging officials to explore alternative export markets to protect farmers’ interests.