Published Jun 13, 2025 | 9:32 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 13, 2025 | 9:32 PM
Section of Belum Caves
Synopsis: To revive the handloom industry, the state government has hiked bleaching and dyeing charges by 15–20% and weaving wages by 20–30%, offering an additional ₹3,000 monthly income to weavers. The Regional Horticultural Research Centre at Lam Farm will release foundation seeds of three premium chilli varieties—L.C.A-625, L.C.A-657, and L.C.A-643—starting June 16
In a major boost to Andhra Pradesh tourism, Belum Caves—India’s longest and the subcontinent’s second-largest cave system—has been officially recognised as a geographical heritage site by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh hailed the announcement, calling it a proud moment for the state.
Nestled in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district and dating back to 450 BC, the caves span over 23 acres and are renowned for their stunning underground formations. “Belum Caves are a living testament to our ancient culture and natural wonder. Their surreal beauty leaves every visitor awestruck,” said Durgesh.
With this new status, the minister promised enhanced promotion to draw both domestic and international tourists. “We will showcase this natural treasure to the world,” he assured. The move is expected to boost eco-tourism and shine a global spotlight on Andhra’s rich geological heritage.
In a major push to revive the handloom sector, Andhra Pradesh’s coalition government has increased wages and processing charges for weavers across the state. State Minister for B.C., E.W.S. Welfare, Handloom and Textiles, S. Savita, announced the move, crediting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision to empower the 89,000 loom weavers working in 1,036 handloom cooperatives.
Under the revised rates, bleaching and dyeing charges have been hiked by 15% and 20% respectively, while wages for bedsheet and towel weaving have gone up by 20–30%. This will bring an additional monthly income of ₹3,000 per weaver. Free electricity for looms and ₹4,000 monthly pensions for 92,274 handloom workers are also being provided.
To spark innovation, APCO and Lepakshi, in collaboration with NID-AP, are launching design competitions with ₹5 lakh in prizes. A tie-up with IIM Visakhapatnam aims to improve financial management and expand showroom presence under the PPP model.
“This initiative shows the government’s commitment to both tradition and transformation,” said Minister Savita, highlighting that after agriculture, handloom is the largest rural employment source in the state.
The Regional Horticultural Research Centre at Lam Farm is all set to roll out foundation seeds of three high-performing chilli varieties — L.C.A-625, L.C.A-657, and L.C.A-643 — starting June 16.
L.C.A-643 is ideal for both green and dried chillies. With long, light-green fruits that turn an eye-catching red when dried, this variety is resistant to Betta and moderately resistant to Gemini virus. Though slightly vulnerable to black legume moth, it yields abundantly with minimal pest control.
For those focused on dried chilli production, L.C.A-625 is a standout. This tall, strong-branched plant produces thick pods and boasts an intense heat level of up to 55,000 SHU. It is visually striking, with dark green fruits that ripen to a rich, dark red, and shows high resistance to pests.
Seeds will be sold at the Lam Farm centre between 9 AM and 4 PM daily, except Sundays and second Saturdays, at ₹1,200 per kilo. Farmers are urged to purchase directly from the centre to avoid counterfeits.
Responding to allegations made by the opposition, Education Minister Nara Lokesh said, “The opposition has tweeted that ₹2,000 was deposited into my bank account. I’m giving them 24 hours — they must prove it. If not, there will be serious consequences, and I will take legal action.”
He described YSRCP as a party that repeats lies a hundred times to make them seem true. “In the 2019 elections, Jagan murdered his own uncle and blamed it on Chandrababu. We couldn’t counter it effectively back then, so people believed it. Now, his own sister Sharmila is revealing what actually happened. I read the tweet claiming ₹2,000 came into my pocket. If they can’t prove this lie, I will take action against YSRCP,” Lokesh warned.
In a significant step towards positioning Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for innovation and sustainable development, the State Government has partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to set up the World Economic Forum – Andhra Pradesh Centre for Energy and Cyber Resilience in Amaravati. This initiative is a part of the Government’s broader “Swarnandhra Vision 2047”.
The official Government Order (G.O.) issued on June 12 outlines the establishment of this pioneering Centre under the WEF’s global Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Network. It will be India’s first thematic centre and shall broadly focus on:
1. Energy Transition and Green Industries, in collaboration with WEF’s Centre for Energy and Materials (CENMAT), and
2. AI-led Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity, in collaboration with WEF’s Centre for Cybersecurity.
The initiative is pursuant to meetings with WEF at Davos and would position Amaravati as India’s leading center on green energy, sustainability and cyber security. The project is being spearheaded by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, with the goal of boosting Andhra Pradesh’s international presence and attracting investments in clean energy, AI, and digital infrastructure.
The key objectives of the Centre are to raise Andhra Pradesh’s global profile and build international partnerships, support the growth of green industries and improve cyber security, run pilot projects in clean energy, smart grids, and use of AI in areas like farming and governance, train people in cybersecurity and new technologies, and connect the State with global platforms like the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting at Davos.
The state government has sanctioned ₹36 crore for a period of three years to support the Centre’s activities. The Centre will operate initially from Vijayawada or Amaravati, and will be governed by a high-level committee chaired by the HRD, IT, E&C Minister Nara Lokesh.
