AP will develop integrated aqua corridor, says CM

Blue economy key to future economic growth: CM Chandrababu Naidu

CM's stress on branding Andhra Shrimp, India Seafood to enhance global demand for Indian seafood*

*Land allocation for Regional Office of Union Fisheries department Within 15 Days:CM*

*Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announces Rs 72 Crore for modernisation of Kakinada port*

Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that the Andhra Pradesh Government is committed to creating a comprehensive ecosystem for development of aqua sector and positioning the state as the hub of India's blue economy.

Addressing the National workshop on Seafood Exports in Visakhapatnam on Friday, the Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh would develop an integrated Aqua Corridor connecting Amaravati, Bhimavaram, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Krishnapatnam and Nellore.The proposed corridor will bring together research, innovation, startups and advanced technologies to strengthen the aqua sector and improve productivity at lower costs.
He also announced the launch of the 'Andhra Shrimp, India Seafood' branding initiative to enhance the global visibility of Indian seafood products.The Chief Minister described it as a positive development that Union Ministers representing four key departments associated with the aqua sector participated on a single platform to discuss the industry's future growth.
Expressing satisfaction over Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh's announcement of Rs 72 crore for modernisation of Kakinada Port, the Chief Minister said the State Government would allocate land for the regional office of the Union Fisheries Department within 15 days. He urged the Centre to lay the foundation stone and commence construction within a month.
Chandrababu Naidu called upon the Central Government to support the establishment of Mega Seafood Processing Parks and facilitate greater seafood exports from India. He reiterated the State Government's cooperation in implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening the aqua sector.'The Blue Economy is critical to achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat. We must work with the vision of 'Pond to Port, Farmer to Global Consumer and Blue Economy to Viksit Bharat.' Andhra Pradesh can play a major role in fulfilling India's aspirations through the blue economy,' he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted Andhra Pradesh's dominant position in India's aqua and seafood industries.'Future economic growth will be driven by the blue economy. Andhra Pradesh has abundant water resources, including the Godavari and Krishna rivers and a coastline stretching 1,053 kilometres. The state accounts for 28 percent of India's fish production, 66 percent of shrimp production and nearly 38 percent of the country's seafood export earnings,' he said.The state currently produces about 19.7 million metric tonnes of seafood annually and exports seafood worth over Rs 28,000 crore every year. He noted that strengthening Andhra Pradesh's aqua sector would significantly contribute to India's overall economic progress and seafood export growth. He emphasised that quality, sustainability, traceability, innovation and zero pollution are essential for long-term success in the sector and urged all stakeholders to work together towards these objectives. Encouraging Innovation and InvestmentInviting entrepreneurs and innovators to invest in Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister said the State is following a 'Speed of Doing Business' approach and will provide all necessary support to investors.He noted the growing global demand for protein-rich foods and highlighted the nutritional value of seafood products. He also encouraged healthy lifestyles, mentioning that he had cycled to the event as part of promoting fitness and environmental sustainability.The Chief Minister reiterated Andhra Pradesh's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development, particularly through solar power initiatives.
Chandrababu Naidu praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, stating that India has made significant progress over the past decade. He is working tirelessly to position India among the world's leading nations. As he completes 12 years in office, it is important that we continue to strengthen his leadership for the nation's future,' he said.
During a joint press conference with Union Ministers, the Chief Minister said India had successfully navigated global challenges and expanded seafood exports to new international markets despite trade barriers and tariff-related issues.He noted that increasing seafood exports would not only contribute to economic growth but also improve the livelihoods of fishing communities. The State Government, he added, is facilitating the induction of 200 modernised fishing boats to support fishermen.
The Chief Minister observed that only about 12 percent of seafood production currently undergoes processing and stressed the need for greater investment in seafood processing infrastructure.He called for increased adoption of technology and innovation in the aqua sector and sought Central Government support to address challenges such as rising fish feed costs. He also urged restrictions on excessive fish meal exports and additional support regarding soybean availability. He welcomed the Centre's efforts to negotiate Free Trade Agreements and expand access to global markets, expressing confidence that Indian seafood products would soon reach kitchens across the world.
The Chief Minister announced that Andhra Pradesh would implement the PMMKSSY scheme and assured resolution of issues concerning the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour.He said the Government of India has set a target of achieving seafood exports worth USD 30 billion annually and assured that Andhra Pradesh would contribute at least 30 percent towards this goal. He appreciated the Centre's support for projects in Bhimavaram aimed at integrating the aqua sector with the circular economy.