Andhra Pradesh reports 12 Covid-19 cases and four deaths since June
A total of 339 Covid-19 cases have been reported nationwide since July 1, led by Kerala
Andhra Pradeshs founder-first growth strategy; Wipros net profit remains flat
Andhra Pradesh is pushing Mazzucato's entrepreneurial state further, treating entrepreneurship itself as public infrastructure across the state; Wipro delivered a muted performance for the first quarter of FY27 and the revenue guidance for the second quarter remained disappointing.
Raise public issues during monsoon session of Parliament, Jagan tells YSRCP MPs
Governance in Andhra Pradesh has completely collapsed, he alleges
Andhra Pradesh Reports 4 Covid-19 Deaths, 12 Cases In Less Than A Month
Andhra Pradesh Health Commissioner G Veerapandian on Thursday said 12 people were infected with Covid-19 virus across the state between June 26 and July 16.
AP Targets 30,000-Crore Investment in Food Processing: Bharath
Andhra Pradesh is targeting 30,000 crore in food processing investments and over three lakh jobs to emerge as a leading agro-processing hub
NTR District Invites Entries For Photo Awards
The competitions will be held in three categoriesAndhra Pradesh's heritage, tourism and culture in NTR district; youth, P4 and economic development and welfare; and Best News Photograph
Minister highlights A.P.s tourism potential at FAITH conclave in Delhi
Describing Andhra Pradesh as a complete tourism destination, Kandula Durgesh invites investors to partner with the State
Spirituality Is Antidote To Stress, Says Naidu
The Chief Minister announced that the state government would construct 5,000 Sri Venkateswara temples across Andhra Pradesh to reinforce spiritual values and social cohesion. He also emphasised the need to preserve the tradition of joint families
Job Opportunity for 60 Assistant Executive Engineers at APCPDCL
Amaravati, July 16: The Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APCPDCL) has announced recruitment for 60 positions of Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) through direct hiring. Eligible candidates interested in these positions can apply until July 20. Among the 60 vacancies, there are 56 positions for Assistant Executive Engineer (Electrical), 3 for Assistant Executive Engineer ... Read more Job Opportunity for 60 Assistant Executive Engineers at APCPDCL
DME Notifies 234 Senior Resident Posts
The Andhra Pradesh government has issued a notification inviting applications for 234 Senior Resident vacancies in 15 government teaching hospitals.
Nara Lokesh Regrets Treatment Meted To Amara Raja Group During YSRCP Rule
Reacting to the inauguration of Amara Raja's new Customer Qualification Plant in Telangana, Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh owed an apology to Amara Raja chairman Galla Jayadev and his family.
Andhra Pradeshs retail inflation above national average for fifth month running
The States retail inflation rose to 4.9% in May 2026 against a national 3.9%, with personal care and miscellaneous services seeing the steepest rise; the government has placed inflation on its Needs Attention watchlist
Srisailam was an international trade center in medieval era: ASI
Amaravati: In a significant revelation, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has found that Srisailam in Nandyala district of Andhra Pradesh has not just been a religious centre but was also an international trading centre during the medieval period. For the past month, ASIs Epigraphy Branch has been studying the inscriptions in the Nallamala forests Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Andhra Pradesh signs MoU with UN-Habitat for Inclusive urban development
The partnership aims to establish a Centre of Excellence for Urban Affairs in Amaravati and focus on alleviating urban poverty, improving livelihood of urban poor, and promoting inclusive city development
AP POLYCET 2026 Phase 2 counselling registration begins today; check schedule, fees and seat details
AP POLYCET 2026 Phase 2 counselling registration has started today, July 16, 2026, for qualified candidates seeking diploma admissions in Andhra Pradesh. Candidates who missed the first phase or did not secure seats can complete fee payment, certificate verification and web option entry through the official portal. The final phase seat allotment result will be announced on July 24, 2026. Around 1.48 lakh candidates qualified in the AP POLYCET 2026 examination.
SIR exercise: Delhi voters get 10 more days to submit enumeration forms
Electors in Delhi now have an extended period to submit their enumeration forms. House-to-house visits by BLOs in Delhi will continue until August 8. Revised schedules have also been released for Punjab, Telangana, and Karnataka. The final electoral roll for Delhi will now be published on October 19. Similar extensions were previously announced for Andhra Pradesh and Haryana.
Researchers Warn Of Threats To Sacred Groves In Andhra Pradesh
The report on Pavithravanams recommends a combined approach that integrates community-led conservation practices with scientific management for safeguarding these ecosystems.
Intense heat pushes power consumption to 280 MUs per day in Andhra Pradesh
Steps have been taken to ensure an uninterrupted power supply, and disruptions are being promptly attended to by the staff of the power utilities, says Energy Minister
Andhra Pradesh student dies in road accident in U.S.A.
Prasanna was travelling in a car which lost control and crashed into a tree, resulting in her death on the spot
AP Chambers Welcomes Power Relief, Seeks More Reforms
AP Chambers said these measures would encourage greater adoption of renewable energy, strengthen the state's industrial ecosystem and improve Andhra Pradesh's competitiveness as an investment destination.
Parliamentary panel defers final meeting on higher education Bill amid Andhra Pradeshs objections
According to sources, Union Education Minister Dhramendra Pradhan had an informal meeting with the Parliamentary panel to hear members concerns about the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025
Andhra Pradesh: Srikalahasti Temple Receives 1.63 Crore In Hundi Offerings
Devotees also offered 35.100 grams of gold and 539 kg of silver: Reports
ECI Extends Electoral Roll Revision Deadlines in Delhi, Punjab, Telangana, and Karnataka
On Tuesday, ECI had extended the SIR schedule for Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. Delhi and the three states besides Haryana and Andhra Pradesh are part of Phase 3 of the SIR which was rolled out on May 14.
PMFBY enrolment simplified for non-loanee farmers in Andhra Pradesh
Government introduces Self-Certification Certificate system, eliminating the need for additional documents and reducing delays in crop insurance registration
Centre lauds Andhra Pradeshs digital education reforms
Officials indicate that the model, particularly the Aadhaar-based Digital Public Infrastructure for transparent delivery of student welfare benefits, can be considered for replication across the country
Calling for interlinking of rivers to avoid water going waste into the sea, the Chief Minister expresses his resolve to provide water to every acre in the State
A.P. secures textile investments worth 4,100-crore at Bharat Tex 2026
Agreements signed under the leadership of Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh Handlooms and Textiles, K. Rekha Rani, as part of the States efforts to attract investments into the textile sector
Aqua syndicate dictating terms in Andhra Pradesh, alleges Jagan
The YSRCP president accuses the NDA government of pushing the sector into distress with its anti-farmer policies
Record rush for varsity jobs in Andhra Pradesh: 1.9 lakh PhD holders apply for 1,523 teaching posts
Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resources Development and IT, Nara Lokesh, released a job calendar in March 2026 to fill 10,060 vacancies across government departments during the year
Andhra Pradesh Couple Killed As Bikes Collide Head-On
Pullampet police have registered a case and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
Haryanas Voter Registration Faces Delays as 260,000 Forms Remain Unreturned
Chandigarh, July 15: Haryanas Chief Electoral Officer, A. Srinivas, announced on Wednesday that approximately 260,000 voter registration forms distributed under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) have yet to be returned. The majority of these pending forms are concentrated in Gurugram. The Election Commission has adjusted the schedule for the voter list revision in Andhra Pradesh ... Read more Haryanas Voter Registration Faces Delays as 260,000 Forms Remain Unreturned
Jagan Mohan Reddy Accuses Coalition Government of Endangering Water Sector
Amaravati, July 15: Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the coalition government on Wednesday of jeopardizing the water sector through anti-farmer policies. He assured water farmers that the party stands with them and will continue the movement until justice is achieved. Speaking at a rally ... Read more Jagan Mohan Reddy Accuses Coalition Government of Endangering Water Sector
Election Commission extends SIR schedule for three States and Delhi
Delhi and the three States besides Haryana and Andhra Pradesh are part of Phase 3 of the SIR which was rolled out on May 14
Andhra Pradesh Government Defends PPP Model for Ramayapatnam Port Operations
Amaravati, July 15: The Andhra Pradesh government announced on Wednesday that it has initiated a fully transparent bidding process under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the operation and maintenance of Ramayapatnam Port. The government aims to attract global companies and ensure rapid development of the port. In response to criticism from the YSR Congress ... Read more Andhra Pradesh Government Defends PPP Model for Ramayapatnam Port Operations
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh lays foundation for Rs 3,100-crore cement unit in Kadapa
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh laid the foundation for Dalmia Bharat's new cement unit. This Rs 3,100-crore facility will be the company's largest in South India. The green cement unit is expected to be commissioned by the third quarter of 2027-28. It will operate on over eighty percent renewable power and recycle all its water. This significant project will also create one thousand new employment opportunities.
Tensions Rise at Former Andhra Ministers Home as Daughter Denied Access to Fathers Body
Amaravati, July 15: Tensions escalated on Wednesday at the residence of former Andhra Pradesh minister Mudragada Padmanabham in Kakinada districts Kirlampudi. His daughter, Baralapudi Kranti, arrived to pay her respects but was prevented by family members and supporters from touching her fathers body. Reports indicate that prior to his passing on Tuesday, the Kapu leader ... Read more Tensions Rise at Former Andhra Ministers Home as Daughter Denied Access to Fathers Body
Andhra Pradesh offers a one-time option to switch to the Old Pension Scheme. This applies to employees recruited before September 1, 2004, who joined later. They must meet specific conditions to avail this benefit. This decision aligns with a similar move by the central government in March 2023. Employees not opting will continue under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
Amaravati, July 15: Former Andhra Pradesh minister and YSR Congress Party leader Mudragada Padmanabham passed away on Tuesday. He was 73 years old. A prominent leader of the Kapu community and former MP, he died in a private hospital in Hyderabad on Tuesday evening. Born on January 22, 1953, in the undivided East Godavari district ... Read more Former Andhra Pradesh Minister Mudragada Padmanabham Passes Away, Jagan Mohan Reddy Expresses Condolences
Southwest Monsoon Weakens in Southern India, Rainfall Expected to Increase After July 17
New Delhi, July 15: The southwest monsoon is currently weak across southern peninsular India, leading to below-average rainfall in several states. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, the ongoing weather conditions have disrupted monsoon activities in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and surrounding areas. However, an improvement in the monsoon ... Read more Southwest Monsoon Weakens in Southern India, Rainfall Expected to Increase After July 17
Andhra Pradesh to Launch Monthly Economic Reports, Says CM Chandrababu Naidu
Amaravati, July 15: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Tuesday that the state government will introduce monthly economic reports. This initiative aims to enhance governance through continuous monitoring of economic development and data-driven decision-making. Andhra Pradesh claims to be the first state in the country to implement such monthly economic reports. Addressing ... Read more Andhra Pradesh to Launch Monthly Economic Reports, Says CM Chandrababu Naidu
BMSA greets Dylan P on qualifying for Badminton Asia U 17 Junior C'ships
Bangalore Manipur Students' Association BMSA has congratulated Dylan P Thokchom on being selected to represent India at the Badminton Asia U 17 Junior Championships, scheduled to be held in Chengdu, China, from 8 to 13 September 2026 He will be competing in two events U 17 Boys Singles and U 17 Boys Doubles, said BMSA in a congratulatory note br br table align center cellpadding 5 width 610 tbody tr td table class capbox width 100 tbody tr td img width 600 src https www e pao org galleries images News Related 2026 07 Dylan 20260715 jpg border 1 alt BMSA greets Dylan P on qualifying for Badminton Asia U 17 Junior C'ships td tr tr td align center BMSA greets Dylan P on qualifying for Badminton Asia U 17 Junior C'ships td tr tbody table td tr tbody table br br The recently concluded Yonex Sunrise All India Sub Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament U 15 U 17 , held in Bengaluru, Karnataka, from 29 June to 7 July 2026 served as the selection tournament for the Badminton Asia Junior Championship Dylan delivered an outstanding performance by winning a bronze Medal in the U 17 Boys' Singles category and a silver medal in the U 17 Boys' Doubles category with Rahul Kadapakula of Andhra Pradesh, making a spot for himself in the National team for the continental event, it said Dyan is the son of Thokchom Romen Kumar and Binika Pangambam, originally from Manipur Although his family is currently based in Bengaluru due to professional commitments, he continues to make Karnataka, Manipur and the Manipuri community proud through his dedication and excellence in badminton, BMSA noted BMSA also expressed pride that Dylan was one of the association members who sealed the title of BMSA's Smash for Glory 2026 Badminton Tournament, held earlier this year On behalf of the entire Manipuri community in Bengaluru, BMSA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dyan, his parents, coaches and everyone who has contributed to his success, it added Wishing him the very best as he prepares to represent India on the international stage, BMSA also exuded confidence that he will continue to inspire aspiring athletes from Manipur and across the nation Source The Sangai Express
Andhra Pradesh joins National Theatre Festival celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram
AP to Screen 43.3 Lakh Students for Vision Problems
Andhra Pradesh will screen 43.3 lakh students for vision problems and provide free spectacles to eligible children.
Andhra Pradesh: North Andhra Likely To Receive Rain In Three Days
The IMD said the upper-air cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and tilts south-westwards with height: Reports
Andhra Pradesh: Low Awareness, Migration Challenges Sir Voter Roll Revision
Experts call for better planning, digital mapping and greater public awareness: Reports
Heat Wave: APs Energy Consumption Reaches Peak at 286 MU Per Day
Andhra Pradesh has activated a contingency plan as power demand surged to nearly 286 million units a day amid the heat wave.
Agricultural Loans in AP Receive a Boost Over Past Three Years
Agricultural lending in Andhra Pradesh rose to 3.92 lakh crore in 202526, driven by higher crop and term loan disbursements.
EC extends SIR schedule for Haryana, Andhra Pradesh
The two States are part of Phase 3 of the SIR rolled out on May 14, which is covering 16 States and Union Territories
Veteran Kapu Leader Mudragada Padmanabham Passes Away
Padmanabham spent decades at the forefront of Andhra Pradesh politics, best known for championing the rights of the Kapu community
Andhra Pradesh: Private Bus Operators Thank Coalition For Tax Relief
State Cabinet approved a reduction in the quarterly tax on inter-state private buses from 4,000 to 2,500: Reports
ECI extends SIR in Andhra Pradesh: enumeration till July 24, final roll on October 3
The draft publication of the electoral roll is now scheduled for July 31, 2026; the window for filing claims and objections will open from July 31 to August 30, 2026, with their disposal running from July 31 to September 28, 2026
Election Commission extends SIR timeline for Andhra Pradesh, Haryana
The draft rolls in the two states were earlier scheduled to be published on July 21. Now, they will be published on July 31
EC extends Andhra Pradesh, Haryana SIR deadlines
New Delhi: The Election Commission on Tuesday, July 13, extended the deadline for various activities under the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana. The poll authority wrote separate letters to the chief electoral officers of the two states. In both Haryana and Andhra Pradesh, the house-to-house visits by the booth level Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Odisha is increasing COVID-19 surveillance due to two recent deaths in Andhra Pradesh. Health authorities are monitoring districts bordering the neighboring state closely. Lakhs of devotees are expected for the annual Rath Yatra celebration this July. Travelers are urged to follow basic health precautions and avoid attending if unwell. No travel restrictions have been announced for the upcoming religious gathering.
Vietnam boat tragedy: Andhra victims bodies reach Hyderabad
Hyderabad: The mortal remains of three Andhra Pradesh residents who died in the boat tragedy in Vietnam arrived here on Tuesday, July 14, morning. The bodies of Ravi Teja from Hindupuram, Mudiyam Sreedhar of Kadapa district and Gelli Jaya Lakshmi of Machilipatnam in Krishna district reached the RGI Airport here after the necessary statutory formalities Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Vietnam boat tragedy: Bodies of three Telugu tourists arrive at Hyderabad airport
The three victims were among 15 Indians killed when a tourist boat carrying 32 passengers capsized near Phu Quoc Island during a leisure trip. One survivor from Andhra Pradesh remains hospitalised in Vietnam, while the other affected Telugu tourists have safely returned home.
Vietnam: Maiden Air Travel Ends in Tragedy for Andhra Resident
Of the 15 victims, 10 were from Tamil Nadu, three were from Andhra Pradesh, and two were from Kerala.
Fadnavis visits Pawan Kalyan in Mumbai hospital after shoulder surgery
The Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister underwent arthroscopic repair of a right shoulder rotator cuff injury on July 11; the hospital expects full recovery over four months
Pawan Kalyan's Wife Pens an Emotional Note After His Surgery
She posted a photograph of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu visiting the hospital.
IMD warns of heavy rain in East as heatwave grips South India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a sharp weather divide this week, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected across eastern and northeastern states, while hot, humid conditions and heatwave warnings continue for parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and eastern coastal regions over the next few days.
Six half-sisters have won their rightful share in ancestral properties. The Andhra Pradesh High Court rejected their half-brother's claims to exclude them. Their father had fraudulently obtained a relinquishment deed from their grandfather. The court ruled that the father could only relinquish his own share. This judgment confirms the daughters' entitlement to their father's property.
From Soil to Sensors: How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionising Indian Agriculture
Imagine walking through a coconut orchard in Tamil Nadu where every tree is monitored by solar-powered sensors, irrigation happens automatically when the soil dries out, and a farmer can track water usage, fertiliser needs and crop healthall from a mobile phone. This isn't science fiction. This is the new reality of Indian agriculture, and it's happening right now. Meet Rajaratnam Kanakarajan, a coconut farmer from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. Two years ago, he was struggling with unpredictable yields and rising input costs. Today, after adopting an AI-powered precision farming system developed by the agritech startup Farm Again, his coconut yield has doubledfrom 80 to 160 nuts per tree per year. His annual income jumped from 12.16 lakh to 33.82 lakh. And he's not alone. According to a report by NITI Aayog (2025), over 3,500 farmers across 4,000 acres in Tamil Nadu are now benefiting from this technology, collectively saving more than 400,000 cubic metres of water and 175,000 kWh of energy annually, while avoiding approximately 20,000 tonnes of CO emissions. The locally developed technology also reduced the implementation cost from 25 lakh per acre for imported systems to just 2.5 lakh per acre, making precision agriculture more affordable for Indian farmers (NITI Aayog, 2025). This is the story of how Artificial Intelligence is transforming traditional agriculture into something smarter, more sustainable and far more profitable. The Perfect Storm: Why Agriculture Needs AI Now Here's the challenge we're facing: the global population is expected to reach approximately 9.7 billion by 2050, and according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO, 2023), agriculture will need to produce nearly 50 percent more food than current levels. At the same time, India's agricultural land has been shrinkingfrom a peak of 184.8 million hectares in 1975 to approximately 179.9 million hectares today (Land Use Statistics at a Glance, 2023)while the country's population has ballooned to 1.45 billion (Worldometer, 2025). Nearly 735 million people worldwide currently suffer from undernourishment, highlighting the persistent challenge of food insecurity (FAO, 2023). Meanwhile, farmers are disappearing from fields. According to the World Bank Employment in Agriculture Database and Periodic Labour Force Survey reports, the share of India's workforce engaged in agriculture has dropped from 59.1% in 1991 to 40.6% in 2020, and it's projected to fall to about 32% by 2030 (World Bank, 2024). Labour shortages during critical operations like sowing, harvesting and weeding are becoming a crisis. Traditional farmingrelying on guesswork, uniform application of water and chemicals and labour-intensive methodssimply cannot meet these challenges. As Wolfert and colleagues (2017) observed in their comprehensive review published in Agricultural Systems, the integration of Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence enhances farm decision-making, improves operational efficiency and promotes sustainable agricultural production. The scope of Big Data applications in smart farming, they noted, goes beyond primary productionit is influencing the entire food supply chain (Wolfert et al., 2017). What Exactly Is AI Doing in Agriculture? Think of AI as a super-smart farming assistant that never sleeps. It analyses data from sensors in the soil, cameras on drones, satellites in space and weather stations in the field. Then it tells farmers exactly what to do: when to water, how much fertiliser to apply, where pests are hiding and even when to harvest. Liakos and colleagues (2018) conducted a comprehensive review of machine learning applications in agricultural production systems and categorised them into four major areas: crop management, livestock management, water management and soil management. Their findings, published in the journal Sensors, demonstrated that by applying machine learning to sensor data, farm management systems are evolving into real-time AI-enabled programs that provide rich recommendations and insights for farmer decision support and action (Liakos et al., 2018). The numbers speak for themselves. Subeesh and Mehta (2021), writing in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, documented that AI-driven precision agriculture can increase crop yields from 3.8 to 5.5 tonnes per hectare while reducing water consumption from 6,650 to 4,000 cubic metres per hectare, fertiliser use from 305 to 180 kg per hectare and pesticide use from 18.5 to 7 litres per hectare. Net returns nearly doublefrom 940 to 1,860 per hectarewhile carbon emissions decrease from 3,650 to 2,100 kg COe per hectare (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021). These findings highlight that AI-based precision agriculture enables higher yields with fewer inputs, greater profitability and improved sustainability compared to conventional farming. Real Farmers, Real Results Across India, agritech startups are proving that AI isn't just for Silicon Valleyit's for the villages of Maharashtra, the paddy fields of Punjab and the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu. Take Fasal, a Bengaluru-based startup founded in 2017. Their device, Fasal Kranti, equipped with over 12 sensors, monitors climatic and soil parameters and provides farmers with precise recommendations on irrigation, pest management and crop planning. Deployed across 10,000 acres in states like Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the results have been remarkable: farmers have reported up to a 60% reduction in pesticide costs and a 40% increase in yield. The technology has saved over 52 billion litres of water. Then there's Cultyvate, another Bengaluru-based startup that tackles one of Indian agriculture's most urgent problems: inefficient water use in paddy cultivation. Paddy fields consume over 50% of India's irrigation water. Cultyvate's remote-sensing irrigation system combines soil moisture sensors, flow meters, weather data and AI algorithms to monitor real-time field conditions. Farmers receive mobile alertsvia voice calls in regional languages, so even those who can't read can understandtelling them exactly when and how much to irrigate. The result? Water use reduced by up to 50%, yields improved by 2030% and over 3,080 crore litres of water saved. In Andhra Pradesh, a pioneering collaboration between Microsoft and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in agriculture. The Sowing App, developed using Microsoft's Cortana Intelligence Suite including Machine Learning and Power BI, sent sowing advisories to farmers on the optimal date to sow based on weather conditions, soil and other indicators (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The results, announced in January 2017, showed a remarkable 30% higher average yield per hectare for groundnut crops. Farmers who followed the advisories and sowed in the recommended period achieved significantly better yields, while those who sowed earlier suffered losses due to a long dry spell (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). The Robots Are ComingAnd That's a Good Thing Remember when the idea of robots on farms sounded like something from a sci-fi movie? That future is already here. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR, 2024), the global agricultural robot market has grown exponentially, from approximately US$956 million in 2013 to nearly US$19.1 billion in 2020, reflecting the increasing demand for intelligent robotic systems in modern agriculture. Drones, autonomous tractors, robotic harvesters and AI-powered weeders are becoming increasingly common. The most rapid expansion occurred after 2016, when advancements in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, sensors and autonomous navigation systems accelerated the commercialisation of agricultural robots (IFR, 2024). In India, engineering student Rahul Arepaka has developed 'Rakshak,' an AI-powered laser-weeding robot that removes the need for chemical herbicides and manual labour. The tractor-mounted device autonomously targets weeds using deep learning algorithms and blue laser technology. These technologies aren't replacing farmersthey're empowering them. By automating labour-intensive tasks, AI frees up farmers to focus on higher-value activities like crop planning and marketing. Samuel and Irtwange (2025), writing in the Journal of Agricultural Informatics, concluded that machine learning applications contribute substantially to yield improvement, resource optimisation, and cost reduction in agricultural systems, emphasising the growing importance of predictive analytics in agricultural decision-making (Samuel & Irtwange, 2025). From Water to Wealth: The Economics of AI Farming Let's talk money. Because ultimately, farmers adopt new technologies when they make economic sense. The economic benefits of precision agriculture are well-documented. According to a joint study by Microsoft and ICRISAT (2017), precision agriculture improves farm profitability by 1525% while reducing production costs by 1030% through efficient use of inputs. It promotes resource conservation, achieving 2050% water savings and 1530% fertilizer savings, while reducing pesticide application by 2080% and nutrient losses by 1540% (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). Environmental sustainability is further enhanced through a 1020% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Technologically, precision agriculture enables real-time crop monitoring with 9097% disease detection accuracy, reduces labour requirements by 2040% through automation and supports predictive farm management with 8595% yield prediction accuracy (Microsoft & ICRISAT, 2017). In Andhra Pradesh, according to a report by IndiaAI (2019), machine learning-based farming increased gross revenue from 1,25,000 per hectare to 2,87,500 per hectare. Net income rose from 70,000 to 2,00,000 per hectare (IndiaAI, 2019). The report further noted that the adoption of machine learning technologies in agriculture is creating new skilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities, including positions for data collection technicians, precision irrigation specialists, digital extension workers, sensor installation workers, drone operators, software support staff and AI data analysts (IndiaAI, 2019). These aren't marginal improvements. They're transformative. The Government Steps In Recognising the potential of AI, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to accelerate its adoption. The Digital Agriculture Mission, approved in September 2024 with an outlay of 2,817 crore, aims to create a Digital Public Infrastructure for agriculture. Under AgriStack, over 70 million Farmer IDs have already been generated across 17 states (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Krishi Decision Support System integrates satellite, weather and soil data to map crops and cultivated areas (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). In February 2026, the government launched Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI-based agricultural advisory platform that provides farmers with personalised recommendations on crop planning, input management and risk mitigation. Farmers can access the platform by dialling 155261 from any phone and interacting with an AI assistant named 'Bharati' (Ministry of Finance, 2026). Kisan e-Mitra, an AI-powered voice-enabled chatbot launched in 2023, provides farmers with information on government schemes like PM-KISAN, Kisan Credit Card and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Available in 11 regional languages, the platform handles over 8,000 farmer queries daily and had responded to more than 93 lakh farmer queries by December 2025 (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The World Economic Forum (2025) highlighted the role of AI in strengthening climate resilience, improving resource efficiency and enhancing market access for smallholder farmers, suggesting that AI-driven agricultural solutions can support sustainable rural development and improve farmers' livelihoods (World Economic Forum, 2025). The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities Of course, the transition to AI-powered agriculture isn't without challenges. High initial investment costs, limited digital infrastructure in rural areas, data privacy concerns and digital literacy gaps remain significant barriers (Subeesh & Mehta, 2021; Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). But the momentum is undeniable. Precision agriculture adoption in India is projected to increase from just 1% in 2008 to approximately 95% by 2036. The agricultural sector is expected to reach $300 billion by 2030. The vision is ambitious but achievable: AI-enabled agriculture that ensures every acre becomes more productive, every drop of water more valuable and every farmer more prosperous. As the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (2026) documented, AI-enabled advisory services, pest surveillance systems and digital agriculture initiatives across India have demonstrated the potential of AI and IoT technologies in improving agricultural productivity and farm management (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2026). The Bottom Line Artificial Intelligence is not just another tech buzzword. It's a practical, proven solution to some of agriculture's most pressing challenges. From the coconut groves of Tamil Nadu to the paddy fields of Punjab, AI is helping farmers produce more with lessless water, less fertilizer, fewer pesticides and less labour. The farmer of tomorrow won't just be someone with a plough and a pair of hands. They'll be someone with a smartphone, a network of sensors and an AI assistant that helps them make smarter decisions every single day. And that's not just good for farmers. It's good for all of us who depend on the food they grow. (The authors are associated with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu)
AP Gets 175 Additional UG Medical Seats at Piduguralla, Vijayawada
Andhra Pradesh has received 175 additional MBBS seats for government medical colleges at Piduguralla and Vijayawada, raising the states total MBBS seats to 7,090.
Bodies of 15 Indians killed in Vietnam boat tragedy arrive in Mumbai
The bodies of fifteen Indian nationals killed in Vietnam's boat tragedy have arrived in Mumbai. Ten victims were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala. One Indian national remains hospitalized in Phu Quoc after a medical procedure. The speedboat carrying thirty-two Indian tourists capsized near Phu Quoc Island on Friday. Vietnamese authorities have ordered an investigation into the incident and detained the operator.
Naidu reviews Polavaram works, stresses timely completion
Chief Minister directs officials to complete remaining ECRF dam works, expedite rehabilitation and infrastructure, and reviews progress of 36 priority irrigation projects across Andhra Pradesh
NMC approves 175 additional MBBS seats in two govt. colleges in Andhra Pradesh
Government Medical College at Piduguralla can admit 100 MBBS students from 2026-27 academic year, while Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada has been sanctioned additional 75 MBBS seats
Andhra Pradesh health experts study Odishas medicine supply system
Andhra Pradesh launches digital platform to monitor 800 urban water projects in real time
The platform will monitor every stage of project implementationfrom water sources and treatment plants, pipelines, reservoirs, household connections and sewage treatmentthrough a dashboard
Devendra Fadnavis Visits Pawan Kalyan in Mumbai After Surgery
Maharashtra CM enquires about Andhra Pradesh Deputy CMs health following successful shoulder surgery.
Bodies of 15 Indian tourists killed in Vietnam boat accident flown home
Ten of the victims were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala
SC declines to hear Telanganas plea on Polavaram project
New Delhi:The Supreme Court on Monday, July 13, declined to hear a petition filed by the Telangana government relating to the Polavaram project, sharing of river waters and the Banakacherla scheme, citing defects in the plea. Justice Vikram Nath, who heard the matter, refused to issue notice to the Andhra Pradesh government or grant any Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Vietnam Boat Tragedy: Survivors Blame Lack of Timely Medical Aid for Lost Lives
A total of 20 tourists from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana who survived the Vietnam boat tragedy arrived in Hyderabad on a flight late on Sunday after being repatriated from Vietnam
Ram Temple donation row: UP govt has taken action, says AP CM
Mumbai: Amid the criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Patry over the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday, July 12, said the Uttar Pradesh government has taken action and is keen to address the issue. The Telugu Desam Party chief also described the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Survivors from Andhra Pradesh returned to Hyderabad after a tragic Vietnam boat accident. The vessel overturned in rough seas, resulting in the unfortunate loss of fifteen lives. Thirty-four people were on the boat when the incident tragically occurred. Survivors expressed appreciation for the government's ongoing support and assistance. The company-sponsored trip turned catastrophic while transferring between islands.
Andhra Pradesh and the next El Nio challenge
Heatwaves and rainfall deficits could put the States preparedness to the test
AP Launches Mission March SSC-2027 for 100% Pass Rate
The Andhra Pradesh School Education Department has launched Mission March SSC-2027 to help all government schools.
Andhra Pradesh: Berry Alloys To Invest 1,200 Crore In AP, Boosting States Steel Ambitions
The project, expected to create 813 direct jobs, is seen as another significant step in the state's efforts to emerge as one of India's leading steel and metals manufacturing hubs: Reports
Innvolution Healthcare secures license for cardiac cath lab production at AMTZ
The facility at the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone aims to boost domestic manufacturing of advanced medical systems under the Make in India initiative
AP power staff want immediate implementation of G.O. on retirement age
Power sector employees in Andhra Pradesh have urged the government and power utility managements to immediately implement G.O. 45, which raises the retirement age from 60 to 62 years.
Andhra Pradesh: State Committed To Strengthening BC Education: Savitha
She appealed to affluent individuals, particularly NRIs, to contribute to the development of their native villages: Reports
Andhra Pradesh: Heat Wave Conditions To Continue For Next Days In AP
While coastal Andhra Pradesh remains under a heat wave warning, Rayalaseema is expected to experience hot weather along with thunderstorms and gusty winds: Reports
Sanskrit Scholars Conclave To Chart Roadmap for Language Promotion
Telugu and Sanskrit Academy to chart roadmap for expanding Sanskrit across Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh: GMRIT Staff Shine At Intercollegiate Sports Meet
The GMRIT staff team emerged as champions in mens volleyball and womens throwball and secured the runners-up position in mens cricket: Reports
Young Doctors Oppose Move to Extend Professors Retirement Age
Young doctors in Andhra Pradesh have opposed the proposal to increase the retirement age of professors in government medical colleges, citing concerns over reduced recruitment opportunities.
Andhra Pradesh: Sri City Shines In South Korea Investment Roadshow
Sri City managing director Dr Ravindra Sannareddy, who was part of the business delegation, thanked Lokesh for effectively showcasing Sri City's strengths before Korean industry leaders: Reports
UAE Leads Indian Mango Imports; AP Varieties in High Demand
The UAE remained the top importer of Indian mangoes in 202526, with Andhra Pradesh varieties such as Banganapalli and Benishan witnessing strong overseas demand.
Andhra CM Congratulates Women's Compound Team On Silver Medal In Archery
The chief minister said Andhra Pradesh was especially proud of Vennam, describing her as a daughter of the state whose continued excellence on the international stage inspires young athletes across Andhra Pradesh
Ramya Krishna Plays A Powerful Chief Minister, Says Director Ratan Rishi
Ramya to play the Chief Minister of the then undivided Andhra Pradesh in the Telugu film 'Queen', a fictional political drama inspired by several real-life incidents.
India Meteorological Department forecasts widespread rainfall across many regions on Monday. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in north, east, and central India. Northeast India will also experience widespread rainfall and heavy showers. Light showers may continue in Delhi-NCR while heatwave conditions persist in coastal Andhra Pradesh. People in affected areas should remain cautious of potential disruptions.
Andhra Pradesh On Alert After 2 COVID-19 Deaths, 8 Active Cases
A 52-year-old man from Kadapa's Rajampet area, who tested positive for COVID-19 after developing fever and cough, died while undergoing treatment at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore.
