Centre will work with Andhra for long-term drought management plan: Union Minister Chouhan

Sri Sathya Sai (Andhra Pradesh), Jul 10 (PTI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said that the Centre will collaborate with the Andhra Pradesh government for a long-term drought management plan.

Chouhan held a review meeting along with Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu at Sri Sathya Sai district Collectorate to discuss mitigation plans for drought-hit Andhra Pradesh through Central and state government schemes.

The union minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the southern state has taken key steps to address water scarcity and ensure sustainable agricultural practices in drought-prone regions.

"We will collaborate with the state government for a long-term drought management plan. Teams from Agriculture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Rural Development will prepare strategies for crop yield improvement during drought," said Chouhan in a post on 'X'.

Earlier in the day, Chouhan along with Naidu visited the Sathya Sai Baba Mahasamadhi (grave) at Prasanthi Nilayam in Puttaparthi on the occasion of Guru Purnima.

They were joined by state Ministers Nara Lokesh, Atchannaidu and S Savita.

"Coming here, I feel overwhelmed and joyous, grace of the Baba is showering upon all of us. Within me, the desire has only strengthened," said Chouhan, addressing the gathering at the event.

Naidu said that he felt overwhelmed and inspired by the divine atmosphere and Baba's spirit of service, especially seeing the Satya Sai Baba trust hospital functioning without billing or cash counters. PTI MS GDK KH