AP to develop Aqua Corridor, emerge as blue economy hub: Chandrababu Naidu
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said the Andhra Pradesh government was committed to creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the aquaculture sector and positioning the State as the hub of India’s blue economy.
Addressing the National Workshop on Seafood Exports here, Mr. Naidu announced plans to establish an integrated Aqua Corridor linking Amaravati, Bhimavaram, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Krishnapatnam and Nellore. The corridor would bring together research institutions, innovation centres, startups and advanced technologies to strengthen the sector and improve productivity.
He also announced the launch of the “Andhra Shrimp, India Seafood” branding initiative to enhance the global visibility of Indian seafood products.
Welcoming Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh’s announcement of ₹72 crore for the modernisation of Kakinada Port, Mr. Naidu said the State government would allot land for the regional office of the Union Fisheries Department within 15 days and urged the Centre to begin construction at the earliest.
Calling for Central support for Mega Seafood Processing Parks, the Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh would extend full cooperation in implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening the aquaculture sector.
Describing the blue economy as critical to achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat, Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh could play a key role in realising India’s aspirations through its strong fisheries and aquaculture base.
The State accounts for 28% of India’s fish production, 66% of shrimp production and nearly 38% of seafood export earnings. Andhra Pradesh produces about 19.7 million metric tonnes of seafood annually and exports seafood worth over ₹28,000 crore every year, he said.
Mr. Naidu stressed that quality, sustainability, traceability, innovation and pollution-free production would be essential for the sector’s long-term growth. Inviting entrepreneurs and innovators to invest in the State, he said Andhra Pradesh was following a “Speed of Doing Business” approach and would provide all necessary support to investors.
Addressing a joint press conference later, the Chief Minister said India had expanded seafood exports to new markets despite global trade barriers. He noted that only around 12% of seafood production currently undergoes processing and called for greater investment in processing infrastructure, besides support to address rising fish feed costs.
Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh would implement the PMMKSSY scheme and contribute at least 30% towards the Centre’s target of achieving annual seafood exports worth $30 billion.