Around 22 lakh people have migrated to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and other places in the last decade in search of employment, according to a study conducted by PULSUS Chief Executive Officer Srinubabu Gedela.

The CEO blamed the mass migration on the failure to fully tap agricultural potential in the region.

“First and foremost priority should be given to irrigation of lands.

“Currently, agriculture activity is confined to 12 lakh acres although there is potential to cover 30 lakh acres in the three districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam. At present, only 25 TMC of water is being used against the availability of 200 TMC of water thanks to the presence of rivers like Vamasadhara, Nagavali, Mahendra Tanaya, Jhanjavati and others,” Mr. Gedela said.

“Irrigation would go up to 30 lakh acres if the government can utilise at least 80 TMC of water. A farmer would not feel the need to migrate to other places when irrigation facility is created for his land. Naturally, this would benefit agricultural labourers too. Village and cottage industries need to be promoted to provide livelihood in villages which can self-reliant in many ways,” he added.

Thorough data

Mr. Gedela collected data from each mandal and mentioned its advantages and what is needed to achieve progress.

“A long coastline of 320 km is available in North Andhra region. Migration of fishermen would also come down when fishing industry gets proper support all along the coastal belt,” said Dr. Srinubabu.

“Agriculture, agro-based industries, horticulture, tourism, tribal products and cottage industries would change the entire economic scenario in the region,” he said.

‘Special package’

A special package for the backward region would help attract more investments along the lines of the Bundelkhand region, which has witnessed rapid progress after being given special incentives,” Mr. Gedela said.

“With the skyrocketing of land prices, many industrialists are hesitant to establish their own units in the region. In this backdrop, the government should develop more special economic zones and industrial belts while offering tax relaxations and financial incentives. All three districts would witness rapid economic growth, resulting in a decrease in migration of people,” he added.

Dr. Gedela, who hails from Allena village of Burja mandal, completed his post-doctorate from Stanford University and launched Omics International Private Limited to facilitate free access to journals for researchers. Later, he established the PULSUS Group, a health informatics and healthcare services firm in Hyderabad. He recently wrote a book titled ‘Shastriya-Saradhi-Upadhi Varadhi’ on creation of employment opportunities in North Andhra region.