Chief Minister addressed Aqua Tech 2.0 Conclave Organised by GFST (Global Forum For Sustainable Transformation) in Vijayawada
• Harnessing Technology for Remarkable Results – Achieving 30% Growth Rate Possible
• Global Demand for Aqua Products through Natural Farming
• AP Govt Encourages Expansion to 1 Million Acres of Aqua Cultivation
• Pollution-Free Aqua Industry is the Need of the Hour
Vijayawada February 18: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasised that the effective use of technology can yield remarkable results in the aqua sector. Speaking at the three-day Aqua Tech 2.0 Conclave here on Tuesday, he stated that this industry should act as a growth engine for the state’s economic prosperity.
“By leveraging technology and adopting innovative methods, achieving a steady 30% growth rate is possible,” he said. He also highlighted that natural farming practices in aquaculture would enhance global demand for Andhra Pradesh’s aqua products. The Chief Minister underscored the success of natural farming in agriculture and advocated its implementation in aquaculture as well.
He stressed the need for improvements in aqua feed and urged producers to focus on value addition to maximize farmers’ income.
Currently, aquaculture is practiced on 400,000 acres, and the government aims to expand it to 1 million acres by 2029-30. However, the Chief Minister insisted that this growth must be achieved in an environmentally sustainable manner. He urged farmers and aqua businesses to adopt pollution-free practices, as solutions exist to mitigate pollution-related issues in the sector.
CM Chandrababu Naidu directed that all aqua farming activities must be registered, warning that unregulated practices would be subject to strict enforcement. He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting the aqua industry while ensuring adherence to regulations, particularly regarding pollution control.
Andhra Pradesh – A Global Leader in Aquaculture
“I have a special focus on the aqua sector. Our state is highly conducive to aquaculture. Between 2014 and 2019, this industry was a major revenue generator for the state, contributing 8.8% to the Gross Value Added (GVA). While countries like Vietnam have lower production levels than us, they lead in valuation. To achieve similar success, we must focus on value addition through processing. Conferences like this play a crucial role in guiding our industry toward greater global competitiveness. Waste-to-wealth initiatives can also help resolve industry challenges,” he said.
Government’s Strong Support for Aqua Growth
“In 1995, I stressed on IT; today, I emphasise AI. We must embrace technology. To reduce costs and improve quality, AI should be extensively integrated into aquaculture. Shrimp farmers often suffer losses due to viral infections, but AI can help predict potential diseases in advance, allowing for preventive measures. Some may not fully understand AI yet, but its adoption is inevitable. By effectively utilizing AI tools, we can enhance productivity and profitability. AI-driven data analysis can even forecast potential outbreaks, enabling timely interventions,” he added.
Additionally, for agro-based industries to have a sustainable future, both production and processing must go hand in hand, the government is committed to supporting all such initiatives the Chief Minister stated.
Adapting to Market Trends for Higher Profits
“Food consumption habits are changing, and farmers must adapt accordingly. Crops such as aquaculture, horticulture, palm oil, and cocoa are yielding excellent results. Farmers must recognise these trends and modify their cultivation practices. Similarly, the dairy industry is becoming a significant livelihood source. Livestock plays a crucial role in the economic activities of common people,” he noted.
The CM said that shortly, food certification and traceability would become critical factors and consumers would seek detailed information about the origin of their food products. “This shift will increase the demand for natural farming and organically grown produce. By anticipating these trends and preparing in advance, farmers and industry players can secure sustainable success,” he said.
During the Aqua Tech 2.0 Conclave, various discussions would take place on industry trends, opportunities, challenges, solutions, policies, and technological advancements. The event, organised by GFST, saw participation from farmers, processing factory owners, traders, and experts.
Key discussions would revolve around transforming aquaculture into a primary revenue source for the state and overcoming challenges through innovation and policy support. Several awareness programs were conducted to educate farmers on technology adoption
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