Leading Transformative Horticulture and Urban Green Development in Andhra Pradesh
Vepuri Shadrak Dharmaja serves as Joint Director in charge of Urban Greenery and Forest Wing at Amaravati Development Corporation Limited, Amaravati. With a career in the Department of Horticulture, Government of Andhra Pradesh since 1990, he has dedicated more than three decades to advancing horticulture and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
Driven by his passion for horticulture and farmer welfare, he made the significant decision to leave a Central Government position to join the State Government, enabling him to directly implement innovative programs that promote crop diversification and higher farm incomes. Throughout his career, he has consistently encouraged farmers to transition from low income traditional crops to high value horticulture crops through modern and sustainable agricultural practices.
One of his most notable achievements was introducing tissue culture banana cultivation in tribal areas of Kadapa district. This intervention resulted in a threefold increase in tribal farmers’ incomes, dramatically transforming their socio economic conditions.
His first posting was in Palamaner in Chittoor district, a region with unique climatic advantages. Recognizing its potential, he promoted dry land horticulture crops such as mango. Today, the area has emerged as a prominent mango hub supplying produce to major food processing industries. During 2009 and 2010, banana exports from Andhra Pradesh to Middle East countries commenced for the first time, marking a significant milestone.
As Project Director, he led Chittoor district to achieve first rank in drip irrigation implementation in terms of area coverage. Among the top ten mango producing districts in the country, six were from Chittoor district. He also promoted orchid cultivation under greenhouse conditions in Krishna district through an integrated model. Under his guidance, 25 lakh grafted vegetable seedlings with drought and disease resistance were produced and distributed to farmers.
Beyond rural initiatives, he has promoted terrace gardening in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and is currently spearheading green development projects in Amaravati. His work includes avenue plantations, central medians, water body beautification, biodiversity parks, and public recreation parks, contributing significantly to sustainable urban development and environmental enhancement.
