Andhra Pradesh: India's Rice Bowl, Vital for National Food Security

• Andhra Pradesh is known as the "Rice Bowl of India" due to its fertile Krishna-Godavari delta, rich alluvial soil, and abundant water supply, creating ideal conditions for rice cultivation.
• The state's Krishna-Godavari delta sees nearly 77% of its crops as rice, making it a highly productive agricultural zone crucial for national food security and exports.
• Andhra Pradesh farmers often grow two or three rice crops annually, utilizing both modern techniques like hybrid seeds and traditional water management practices.
• While Andhra Pradesh is the primary "Rice Bowl," Chhattisgarh is the "Rice Bowl of Central India," West Bengal the "Rice Bowl of Eastern India," and Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta is the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu."
• Rice is a cultural staple and economic backbone in Andhra Pradesh, providing livelihoods and deeply integrating into daily life and harvest festivals.

Why It Matters: It highlights Andhra Pradesh's crucial role in India's food security and economy.