CM for tech-driven aquaculture

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the role of technology in advancing the aquaculture sector at the three-day Aqua Tech 2.0 Conclave. He said that the industry should be a key driver of Andhra Pradesh’s economic growth.
“With technology and innovative methods, we can achieve a steady growth rate of 30%,” he said, adding that natural farming practices in aquaculture could increase global demand for the state’s aqua products, as seen in agriculture.
The Chief Minister stressed the need to improve aqua feed and urged producers to focus on value addition to maximise farmers’ incomes. At present, aquaculture is practised on 4 lakh acres in the state, with plans to expand it to 10 lakh acres by 2029-30. However, he said that this growth must be environmentally sustainable and encouraged farmers to adopt pollution-free practices using available solutions.
Naidu directed that all aqua farming activities be registered, warning of strict enforcement against unregulated practices. He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting aquaculture while ensuring compliance with pollution control norms.
“I have a special focus on the aqua sector. Our state has ideal conditions for aquaculture,” he said, noting that the industry contributed 8.8% to the state’s Gross Value Added (GVA) between 2014 and 2019. He pointed out that while countries like Vietnam produce less, they generate higher value due to processing. To compete globally, he stressed the importance of value addition through processing and said that conferences like this help guide the industry in that direction. He also mentioned that waste-to-wealth initiatives could help address industry challenges.
“In 1995, I focused on IT; today, I am focusing on AI. Technology is key to reducing costs and improving quality,” he said. Naidu noted that shrimp farmers often face losses due to viral infections, but AI can help predict disease risks and enable preventive measures. While AI adoption is still in its early stages, he said it would be crucial for improving productivity and profitability through data analysis and timely interventions.
He also highlighted the need for both production and processing to go hand in hand for the long-term sustainability of agro-based industries. The government, he said, would support initiatives that align with this vision.
“Food consumption habits are changing, and farmers must adapt,” Naidu said, citing aquaculture, horticulture, palm oil, and cocoa as promising crops. He also noted the growing importance of the dairy industry as a source of livelihood.
He cautioned that food certification and traceability would soon become critical, with consumers increasingly interested in the origin of their food. “This shift will drive demand for natural farming and organic produce. By preparing for these trends, farmers and industry players can secure sustainable success,” he said.
The Aqua Tech 2.0 Conclave features discussions on industry trends, opportunities, challenges, and technological advancements. Organised by GFST, the event has drawn participation from farmers, processing factory owners, traders, and experts. The focus is on making aquaculture a major revenue source for the state through innovation and policy support. Awareness programmes will also be conducted to educate farmers on technology adoption.