AP Govt to develop Integrated Aqua corridor connecting six key aqua centres in state: CM Naidu
Visakhapatnam, June 5 (TNT) : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday 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 here, 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.
He 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 added.
TNT KM
