In a landmark move aimed at empowering the agricultural community, Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu formally launched the Annadata Sukhibhava–Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme at Veerayapalem in Prakasam district in August 2025. The initiative reflects a strengthened collaboration between the State and Central governments to uplift the welfare of farmers and enhance their economic security.
During the launch event, CM Naidu disbursed a substantial Rs 3,175 crore as the first installment under the scheme to benefit 46.86 lakh eligible farmers across Andhra Pradesh. Each farmer received a first tranche of Rs 7,000, of which Rs 5,000 was contributed by the Andhra Pradesh government amounting to Rs 2,343 crore, and the remaining Rs 2,000 by the Government of India (GoI) under the PM-KISAN component, totaling Rs 832 crore.
The launch of the scheme marks a significant step in integrating state and central welfare initiatives for the farming community. CM Naidu emphasized that the Annadata Sukhibhava–PM KISAN scheme will ensure timely financial assistance to farmers, helping them meet cultivation costs, buy seeds, fertilizers, and sustain their livelihoods. He added that this is not merely a monetary scheme, but a symbol of gratitude and respect towards the ‘Annadata’ – the food provider.
In his speech, CM Naidu underscored the importance of agriculture in the state’s economy and reiterated his government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers. “Farmers are the backbone of our society. Through this scheme, we are recognizing their contribution and supporting them during critical periods in the crop cycle,” he said.
The distribution process was executed in a transparent and direct benefit transfer (DBT) manner, ensuring that funds reached the farmers without any intermediaries. Special arrangements were made across the state’s districts to facilitate smooth disbursal, with local officials ensuring that the beneficiaries were verified and that the funds reached them promptly.
The Chief Minister also announced plans for further strengthening irrigation, expanding cold storage networks, and promoting crop diversification to make agriculture more profitable and sustainable in the long term. He encouraged farmers to adopt modern technologies, use soil health cards, and take part in capacity-building programs organized by the state’s agricultural departments.
The Annadata Sukhibhava–PM KISAN scheme has received widespread appreciation from farmer associations and rural communities. Many hailed the direct cash transfer as a lifeline ahead of the upcoming Rabi season, especially for small and marginal farmers who often struggle with liquidity.
This combined state-central initiative signals a new era in farmer welfare, where cooperation between various levels of government can deliver tangible, timely support to the agricultural backbone of India. With this first installment successfully distributed, Andhra Pradesh has set a precedent for other states in terms of proactive and inclusive governance in the farming sector.
