Andhra Pradesh is a state located in the southern part of India that has made significant progress in the agriculture and food processing industry. The state boasts of a diverse range of natural resources, including vast stretches of arable land, mineral resources, and abundant water resources, which have made it an attractive destination for investors looking to tap into the opportunities provided by the state.
In recent years, the Andhra Pradesh government has taken numerous measures to improve the agriculture and food processing industry in the state. The establishment of 10,788 YSR Rythu Bharosa Kendras as “One Stop Shops” for a variety of agricultural and related services is one such step. These centers provide services such as crop insurance, input supply, soil health management, and many more, all in one place, making it easier for farmers to access the services they need.
Andhra Pradesh has also made significant progress in food processing, with the state being ranked first in registered food processing units during the annual Survey of Industries 2019-20 due to its ease of doing business. The government has also set up an online e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) to provide a platform for farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers, thereby cutting out intermediaries and ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce. In FY 2019-20, the state was ranked first in the total value of trade conducted on the e-NAM, thanks to government facilitation and technology deployment.
The agriculture and food processing industry in Andhra Pradesh has shown impressive growth, with a double-digit growth rate. In the year 2021-22, the GVA of the Agriculture & Allied Sector is estimated to be Rs 2 lakh crore, growing at a rate of 11.27%. The state is the second-largest producer of paddy, maize, and groundnut in the country, and ranks fourth in milk and meat production.
Gudivada Amarnath, minister for Industries, Infrastructure, Investment & Commerce, IT, Handlooms & Textiles, said, “According to LEADS Report 2022, the state’s exports increased by 15.31% from the previous year in 2021–2022, classifying it as “Achievers” in the Coastal States. With the completion of new ports and also further development of infrastructure for the last-mile connectivity, the state’s share in exports can reach up to 10% of India’s total exports.”
Buggana Rajendranath, minister for Finance, Planning, Commercial Taxes, Skill Development, Training & Legislative Affairs, said, “We strongly believe reducing the time to start a business will have a significant impact on the manufacturer’s profitability. The state is building numerous plug-and-play facilities which will have ready-built factory sheds with quality power and water supply and help speed up setting up of manufacturing units.”
Andhra Pradesh also has a robust aquaculture industry, accounting for 24% of the nation’s fish production, making it the largest producer of fish in the country. The state has been taking several measures to promote this industry further, such as the establishment of fishing harbors, fish landing centers, and fish feed plants, and providing support for the development of hatcheries and nurseries.
Andhra Pradesh, over the years has shown tremendous potential for growth in the agriculture and food processing industry, and the state government’s efforts to promote these sectors have been yielding positive results. With the upcoming Global Investors Summit in Visakhapatnam, the state is poised to attract even more investments and create more opportunities for growth in these critical sectors.
