Naidu underscored the success of natural farming in agriculture and advocated its implementation in aquaculture as well
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has emphasized that effective use of technology in the aqua sector can yield remarkable results for Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking at the three-day Aqua Tech 2.0 Conclave here on Tuesday, Naidu said this industry should act as a growth engine for the state’s economic growth. “By leveraging technology and adopting innovative methods, it will be possible for AP to achieve a steady 30 per cent annual growth rate.” He said natural farming practices in aquaculture would enhance global demand for AP’s aqua products.
The CM 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.
Naidu said, “Currently, aquaculture is practised on 400,000 acres, and the government aims to expand it to 1 million acres by 2029-30. This growth must be achieved in an environmentally sustainable manner. Farmers and aqua businesses to adopt pollution-free practices, as solutions exist to mitigate pollution-related issues in the sector.”
He said all aqua farming activities must be registered. Unregulated practices would not be allowed. The government is committed to pollution control.
“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 per cent to the Gross Value Added (GVA). While countries like Vietnam have lower production levels than us, they lead in value-addition,” he said.
“We must do the same. 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,” Naidu said.
He stated, “In 1995, I stressed on IT; today, I emphasize 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 stated.
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 CM said.
The CM noted, “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.
Naidu 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.
