Andhra Pradesh to Develop Integrated Aqua Corridor Connecting Six Major Fisheries Hubs
Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced plans to develop an Integrated Aqua Corridor connecting Amaravati, Bhimavaram, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Krishnapatnam and Nellore as part of the state’s efforts to strengthen the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Addressing the National Workshop on Seafood Exports in Visakhapatnam, the Chief Minister said the proposed corridor would bring together research institutions, innovation centres, startups and advanced technologies to improve productivity and support the growth of the aqua industry.
He also announced the launch of the “Andhra Shrimp, India Seafood” branding initiative aimed at increasing the global visibility of Indian seafood products and supporting export growth.
Naidu welcomed Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh’s announcement of ₹72 crore for the modernisation of Kakinada Port and said the State Government would allocate land for the regional office of the Union Fisheries Department within 15 days. He urged the Centre to begin construction of the facility within a month.
Calling for greater collaboration between the Centre and the State, the Chief Minister sought support for establishing Mega Seafood Processing Parks and expanding India’s seafood exports. He said the blue economy would play a key role in India’s long-term economic growth and contribute to the goals of Viksit Bharat.
Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s position in the fisheries sector, Naidu said the state accounts for 28 per cent of India’s fish production, 66 per cent of shrimp production and nearly 38 per cent of the country’s seafood export earnings. Andhra Pradesh currently produces approximately 19.7 million metric tonnes of seafood annually and records seafood exports worth more than ₹28,000 crore every year.
He emphasised the importance of quality, sustainability, traceability, innovation and pollution-free practices in ensuring long-term growth of the sector. The Chief Minister also invited entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, stating that the government would provide support through its “Speed of Doing Business” approach.
During a joint press conference with Union Ministers, Naidu said India had expanded seafood exports into new international markets despite global trade challenges. He noted that increased exports would help improve the livelihoods of fishing communities and revealed that the State Government is facilitating the induction of 200 modernised fishing boats.
The Chief Minister observed that only around 12 per cent of seafood production currently undergoes processing and stressed the need for additional investment in seafood processing infrastructure. He also sought Central Government support to address issues such as rising fish feed costs, restrictions on excessive fish meal exports and improved soybean availability for the industry.
Naidu welcomed ongoing efforts by the Centre to negotiate Free Trade Agreements and expand access to overseas markets. He expressed confidence that Indian seafood products would reach a wider global consumer base in the coming years.
The Chief Minister also announced that Andhra Pradesh would implement the PMMKSSY scheme and assured that issues related to the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour would be addressed. Referring to the Government of India’s target of achieving seafood exports worth USD 30 billion annually, he said Andhra Pradesh would aim to contribute at least 30 per cent towards the national goal.
He also acknowledged Central Government support for projects in Bhimavaram focused on integrating aquaculture activities with the circular economy.
