The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the sanction of 46,113 agricultural electricity connections as a relief measure for farmers across the state. The decision was announced by the Agriculture Minister who described the move as aimed at ensuring irrigation security and strengthening the farm sector. The action is presented as a response to long standing delays in connection approvals previously. The government has decided to grant 46,113 agricultural electricity connections in a phased manner to clear applications that had been pending for several years in various districts. Of these, 6,593 connections fall under Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Limited (APCPDCL), 11,926 under Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) and 27,594 under Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL). Officials indicated that the phased approach will allow coordination with distribution infrastructure and local authorities. The Minister expressed gratitude to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar for responding positively to his request and taking a swift decision on the issue. He said the move would provide much needed irrigation support to farmers, improve crop yields and reduce uncertainty in cultivation. The government expects that improved access to electricity for irrigation will bolster farm incomes and rural resilience. The Minister noted that many applications had remained pending due to various reasons in the past and said the present government had taken proactive steps to resolve the issue. Implementation will focus on clearing the backlog while coordinating with the three distribution companies to ensure technical and administrative readiness. Strengthening agriculture and improving rural livelihoods is presented as a primary policy objective in the current phase.