Context: The Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Bhagirath Choudhary, informed the Rajya Sabha that Andhra Pradesh ranks among the top states in the cultivation of three major commercial crops. He stated that the State stands first in cocoa cultivation, second in cashew cultivation, and fourth in coconut cultivation. The information was provided in response to a question raised by TDP member Sana Satish Babu in the Rajya Sabha.
Cocoa Cultivation
- Across India, cocoa is cultivated in about 1.14 lakh hectares. Out of this, 47.06 thousand hectares (about 41%) are located in Andhra Pradesh, making it the leading state in cocoa cultivation.
- The next major cocoa-producing states are Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Cashew Cultivation
- Cashew is cultivated across 1.204 million hectares in India.
- Odisha ranks first with about 223 thousand hectares, while Andhra Pradesh ranks second with about 201 thousand hectares under cashew cultivation.
Coconut Cultivation
- In coconut cultivation, Kerala holds the first position, followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, while Andhra Pradesh ranks fourth in the country.
District-wise Crop Leadership in Andhra Pradesh
Within the State, specific districts lead in the cultivation of these crops.
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Parvathipuram Manyam district ranks first in cashew cultivation.
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Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district leads in coconut cultivation.
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Eluru district holds the first position in cocoa cultivation.
Central Assistance for Horticulture Development
- For the development of horticultural crops, the Central Government released funds to Andhra Pradesh under the central share.
- In 2024–25, an amount of ₹51.13 crore was released, out of which ₹23.79 crore (46.52%) was utilised.
- In 2025–26, ₹105 crore was released and ₹88.03 crore (83.83%) has been utilised so far.