VISAKHAPATNAM: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced plans to develop an aqua corridor connecting Amaravati, Bhimavaram, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Krishnapatnam and Nellore, as part of efforts to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture sector and expand seafood exports.
Addressing the National Workshop on Seafood Exports held in Visakhapatnam on Friday, the Chief Minister said the State is prepared to create the necessary ecosystem for the growth of aquaculture through improved infrastructure, technology, research, innovation and value addition.
The two-day workshop is being organised by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with support from the Andhra Pradesh government.
Naidu noted the proposed aqua corridor would serve as a hub for research institutions, startups, innovation centres and processing facilities required for the sector’s expansion. The Chief Minister also announced plans to promote the “Andhra Shrimp, India Seafood” brand and called for coordinated efforts to enhance India’s presence in global seafood markets.
Describing the Blue Economy as a key driver of future economic growth, the Chief Minister opined that the fisheries sector would play an important role in achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat.
He stressed the need to work on the concepts of “Pond to Port”, “Farmer to Global Consumer” and “Blue Economy to Viksit Bharat”.
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s strengths, Naidu said the State has a coastline of 1,053 kilometres and is supported by ports and airports that provide logistical advantages for seafood exports.
“Andhra Pradesh contributes 28% of India’s fish production, and 66% of shrimp production, while accounting for nearly 38% of the country’s seafood export earnings. Annual seafood exports from the State exceed `28,000 crore,” the Chief Minister elaborated.
Naidu urges Union govt to set up regional office of Fisheries Ministry in AP
The Chief Minister asserted that the State would extend full support to initiatives taken by the Centre for the development of the fisheries sector. Welcoming the Centre’s support for establishing mega seafood processing parks, he said greater emphasis must be placed on processing and value addition. He observed that only a small portion of aqua produce is currently processed and pointed to significant opportunities in seafood processing, branding and export-oriented manufacturing.
On this occasion, Naidu invited the Union Government to establish a regional office of the Fisheries Ministry in the State, and assured land allotment within 15 days. In response, Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said the foundation stone would be laid within a month of the land being handed over.
In his address, Ranjan Singh said India’s fisheries sector has recorded substantial growth over the past decade, with production reaching 197 lakh tonnes and exports crossing `73,000 crore. He announced the approval of a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Kakinada under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with a total project cost of `72.42 crore.
“The proposed harbour will provide berthing facilities for more than 400 fishing vessels, handle substantial fish landings annually and generate employment opportunities in the region,” he explained.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen export infrastructure and improve export participation from inland fisheries.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stressed the importance of innovation and advanced technologies in strengthening India’s seafood export ecosystem. He said the government aims to position India as a globally trusted supplier of seafood products known for quality, sustainability and value addition.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu underlined the importance of efficient logistics and air cargo facilities.