Amaravati, July 18 (HS): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has sought the Centre's support for the proposed Rayalaseema Integrated Horticulture Development Plan and urged policy interventions to address issues concerning the aquaculture sector and tobacco farmers.

The requests were made during Naidu's meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Amaravati on Friday, according to an official statement.

The Chief Minister urged the Centre to take measures to reduce the cost of raw materials used in shrimp feed production, stating that rising input costs have adversely affected aqua farmers and seafood exports.

He also sought Central assistance to strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), promote domestic markets for aquaculture products and establish the Andhra Pradesh Prawn Producers Coordination Committee with financial support from the National Fisheries Development Board.

Naidu further requested the Centre to intervene for reducing tariffs on Indian seafood exports to the United States to improve the competitiveness of the country's marine exports.

Expressing concern over the challenges faced by tobacco growers, the Chief Minister sought immediate measures to safeguard their interests, citing issues relating to higher taxes and reduced procurement.

Seeking full Central support for the Rayalaseema Integrated Horticulture Development Plan, Naidu said the proposed initiative aims to expand horticulture cultivation, improve irrigation and road connectivity, attract investments and generate employment in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar