Exotic vegetable cultivation to be expanded in district with DWCRA women farmers
The Andhra Pradesh Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand exotic vegetable cultivation to 1,000 acres across the district, creating new income opportunities for 3,000 DWCRA women farmers in tribal areas.
Additional Chief Executive Officer R. Sriramulu Naidu announced the initiative during his visit to Balabhadram village in Chintapalli mandal on Monday, where he inspected fields cultivated by a tribal woman farmer growing premium crops such as green and yellow zucchini, red cabbage, and pink and yellow cauliflower.
Addressing DWCRA women at the local Velugu office, Mr. Naidu said the State government was focusing on women’s empowerment and sustainable rural development. He noted that encouraging women farmers to diversify into high-value exotic vegetables would strengthen livelihoods and improve household incomes.
The programme was launched last year on a pilot basis across 150 acres, involving 350 tribal women farmers. According to officials, participants received support ranging from seed sowing to marketing, helping them earn profits and motivating more women to join this year.
Under the new expansion plan, exotic vegetables will now be cultivated on 1,000 acres spread across 11 agency mandals. Plantation will begin during the kharif season, while vegetable production can continue throughout the year.
Farmers will receive seeds, technical guidance, and marketing assistance from SERP. While 15 varieties of cool-climate and exotic vegetables were introduced last year, nearly 30 varieties will be offered this season. Women farmers are also being encouraged to adopt organic farming methods.
Officials said exotic vegetables have strong market demand, and the produce will be sold in local markets as well as supplied to plain areas with SERP’s support. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance rural incomes while opening new markets for tribal women farmers.
DRDA Project Director Murali, SERP officials B. Srinivasulu and Dr. K. Kulashekhar, agriculture expert Behara Nageswara Rao, and APM Srinivasa Rao were present during the visit.