The state of Andhra Pradesh was formed in the year 1953 separating certain districts from the erstwhile composite Madras state, with State Capital at Kurnool.Later with the sacrifice made by "Amarjyothi" Sri.Potti Sreeramulu the state of Andhra Pradesh was created with effect from 1.11.1956 duly emerging the Telangana districts situated in the deccan plateau and delineating Bellary area to merge with Karnataka state. The final shape of the state comprised of 9 coastal districts, 4 Rayalaseema and 9 Telangana districts.

The state of Andhra Pradesh is situated on the globe in the tropical region between 12⁰14' and 19⁰54' North latitudes and 76⁰46' and 84⁰50' East longitudes. It is bounded on the North by Maharashtra, on the North-East by Orissa and Madhya Pradesh, on the East by Bay of Bengal, on the South by Tamilnadu and on the West by Karnataka States. The state has a long coastal line extending over 960 km from Ichapuram sands in Srikakulam district to Pulicat lake in Nellore district.Andhra Pradesh is the 5^th largest state in the Indian Union both in terms of geographical area and population comprising of 23 districts 1,105 revenue mandals, 29,994 villages spreading over 2,76,814 sq.km.

The state enjoys a position of preeminence in respect of crop production particularly food grains and has the distinction of being called the "Rice Bowl" of South India. It is normally a surplus state in Rice Production and contributes a major share of food grains annually to the central pool. About 71% of state's population is dependent on Agriculture and allied sectors contributing to more than 60% of the state's income till 1973-74. Since then though the primary sector holds the prime position, its contribution to State Domestic Product declined to 42% in 1984-85 and 37.52% in 1996-97. Significant diversification in the economy is evident from the structural shifts in the State Domestic Product.

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Andhra Pradesh with its population of 435 lakhs (1971 census) and 535 lakhs (1981 census) is one of the most populous states in the country with an annual growth rate ranging from 2.1 to 2.4. The figures of 1991 census reveals the total state population as 665 lakhs. The sex ratio of females to 1000 males is 972 (1991 census). The state had a population density of 157 persons /sq.km. (1971 census) and the density is showing an increasing trend from 193 (1981 census) to 242 (1991 census).The density of rural population is also on the increase from 127 (1971 census) to 148 (1981 census) and to 175 (1991 census). It is highest in West Godavari 256 (1971 census) and lowest in Adilabad 80 (1971 census).

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The state has a tropical climate with moderate diffusion to subtropical weather. Humid to semi-humid conditions prevail in the coastal area while arid to semiarid situations pronounce in the interior parts of the state, particularly Rayalaseema and some districts of Telangana. The areas covered by Deccan Plateau are characterized by hot summers with relatively pleasant winters.

The word "Land" is used in agricultural relativity, with reference to the cropped or cultivated land. It is a precious resource provided by the nature to the state.

The following are The land utilization particulars of the state during 1998-99 (Region wise) (in '000 hects)

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