Naidu Plans Saffron Farms In Ganja Hit North Andhra

For the last five years, TDP leaders repeatedly alleged that ganja cultivation spread across thousands of acres in North Andhra during Jagan’s rule and that it was being supplied to different parts of the country. Now, with a change in government, the same region is being projected for a completely different identity.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced plans to promote saffron cultivation in Lambasingi under the PPP model with the participation of local tribal communities. The idea is to turn North Andhra into a hub for high value and legal commercial crops instead of allowing illegal activities to damage the region’s image.

Lambasingi, often called the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh due to its cool climate, has already shown potential for alternative crops. Araku coffee has become a big success story, gaining national and international recognition. In recent years, apple cultivation has also been expanding in the region, surprising many who never expected such crops to grow in Andhra Pradesh. Now saffron is being added to that list.

Along with saffron cultivation in Lambasingi, the Chief Minister also proposed developing a 500 acre Cocoa City in Eluru district and boosting banana exports, where the state currently ranks second in production but lags in overseas markets. He stressed quality control, value addition, and processing units to increase farmer incomes.

The government is also pushing technology in agriculture. Apps like DG Rythu Bazaar, APAIMS for farm machinery, and Kisan Drone have been launched to support farmers. Over 9,500 machines are now available across the state for booking.

From allegations of ganja cultivation to plans for saffron farming, North Andhra seems to be heading in a new direction. With Araku coffee already proving that the region can produce premium crops, the focus on apples and now saffron indicates a strategic shift. If implemented effectively, this move could redefine the agricultural profile of North Andhra and give farmers new opportunities for higher incomes.