Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Project Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh is being developed as a 600-acre integrated rural initiative aimed at increasing farmers income and creating stable livelihoods. The project seeks to raise annual earnings from around INR 30,000 per acre to over INR 1 lakh per acre by combining agriculture with solar power, livestock, and allied activities. Backed by a private developer, it is expected to benefit more than 250 families. The model also focuses on sustainability, groundwater improvement, and diversified income streams, and is being positioned for expansion across larger land parcels.
An integrated rural development project in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh is being implemented to improve farm incomes by shifting from traditional farming practices to a multi-source income model. The initiative, known as Project Chittoor, is spread across around 600 acres and focuses on combining agriculture with other revenue-generating activities to improve financial stability for farmers. Advertisement
The project aims to increase annual income from nearly INR 30,000 per acre to over INR 1 lakh per acre. This is planned through diversification, where farmers will not depend only on crop output but also benefit from livestock, agroforestry, and value-added activities. The approach is intended to reduce income volatility, which is common in single-crop farming systems.
The development is backed by the Atria Group and is expected to directly support more than 250 rural families. The structure of the project is designed in a way that each acre contributes through multiple income streams, ensuring better utilisation of land and resources without increasing risk exposure.
A key feature of the project is the integration of renewable energy. Solar capacity of about 6 MW is planned across the project area, allowing farmers to generate electricity. This can help reduce input costs such as irrigation and also create an additional source of income through power generation.
The project also includes the development of vertical food forests and agroforestry systems, which allow multiple crops and tree-based produce to grow together. Livestock integration is another component, helping farmers generate regular cash flow alongside seasonal crop income. In addition, food processing and agro-based tourism activities are being introduced to create value beyond primary production.
There is also a focus on environmental improvements. Measures such as groundwater recharge, better soil management, and biodiversity enhancement are being incorporated into the planning. These steps are aimed at making farming more sustainable and less dependent on uncertain rainfall patterns.
The project promoter indicated that demonstrating consistent income at the farm level could encourage rural youth to remain in or return to villages, as agriculture becomes more financially viable. Alongside farming, the project also includes solar-powered digital classrooms and skill development initiatives to support long-term rural growth.
Plans are in place to scale up the model beyond the initial 600 acres. The project is expected to expand to about 6,000 acres in the next phase and could eventually reach up to 60,000 acres if the model proves effective. This aligns with broader efforts in the state to promote diversified and higher-value agriculture.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
