Andhra Government Shifts Focus to Sustainable Livelihoods in Remote Tribal Anti-Drug Push
Ministers V. Anitha and Gummadi Sandhya Rani visited the remote Paderu hamlet to promote alternative agriculture over illicit cannabis cultivation. The outreach initiative marks a strategic shift toward economic rehabilitation in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district.
Direct Engagement in Paderu Mandal
State officials conducted an unprecedented field visit to Sappiputtu, a secluded tribal hamlet within the Dallapalli panchayat, to evaluate the efficacy of current anti-narcotics strategies. Home Minister V. Anitha and Tribal Welfare Minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani led the delegation on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, marking the first time the Palle Batalo outreach program has targeted such an interior location. The initiative, managed by the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), seeks to dismantle the traditional reliance on ganja cultivation through direct economic intervention.
Economic Transition Through Diversified Agriculture
During the visit, the administration emphasized a shift toward legal agricultural markets. The Ministers distributed seeds and saplings to local farmers, focusing on crops that offer viable market returns. Key components of this replacement strategy include:
- Introduction of high-value fruit crops like avocado and custard apple.
- Distribution of maize seeds for seasonal stability.
- Afforestation efforts through the planting of new saplings across the Paderu mandal landscape.
Home Minister Anitha confirmed that the primary objective is to reach a state of zero ganja cultivation by providing farmers with reliable, sustainable income streams. Local residents informed the visiting officials that many have already abandoned illicit crops in favor of these government-supported alternatives.
Collaborative Oversight and Community Dialogue
The outreach included a Mukhamukhi, or face-to-face interaction, where tribal community members discussed rehabilitation progress and personal grievances with the leadership. High-ranking officials present for the assessment included EAGLE Director A. Ravi Krishna, District Collector T. Nishanthi, Joint Collector T. Sripooja, and Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar. Beyond the administrative agenda, the Ministers participated in a traditional Dhimsa dance, signaling a move toward building deeper trust within the Alluri Sitharama Raju district’s tribal belt.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
