Andhra Pradesh aims to be global food processing hub, says CM Naidu

Andhra Pradesh offers significant advantages for investors in the food processing sector, including five climatic zones and strong aquaculture and horticulture production, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Friday.

Addressing the India Food Manufacturing Summit organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), he said India is emerging as a global food processing hub, with Andhra Pradesh contributing 9 per cent of the country’s output, valued at 49 billion US dollars.

The Chief Minister said the state produces 15.6 per cent of India’s total fruit output, earning it the title of Fruit Capital of India. Andhra Pradesh also accounts for 32 per cent of marine seafood exports, cultivates 2.26 lakh acres under aquaculture, and leads the country with 6,000 registered food industry units.

With rising demand for quality food, Mr. Naidu said the state’s nine integrated food parks, equipped with plug-and-play facilities, cold storage, and warehousing, support growing investment opportunities. Andhra Pradesh is a top producer of rice, mango, banana, chilli, turmeric, shrimp, fish, and eggs.

Highlighting the AP Food Processing Policy 4.0, he said it offers incentives such as investment and power subsidies and assures investors of single-window clearances. The state aims to attract Rs 30,000 crore in investments and generate 3 lakh jobs in five years, following Rs 9,000 crore of agro-food processing investments last year.

Mr. Naidu emphasized value addition and high-quality standards for global markets. Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries, praised the state’s efforts and called for reducing food wastage. Mohit Singla, TPCI Chairman, announced the opening of its southern regional office in Amaravati.

Minister for Industries T.G. Bharath and Principal Secretary of Food Processing, Chiranjeevi Chowdary, also addressed the summit.