From Our Correspondent
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday asked officials to focus on industries that can generate higher incomes for farmers while accelerating industrial growth across the state. Chairing the 19th State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) meeting at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister approved 11 projects worth ₹9,076.11 crore, which are expected to create 10,531 jobs.
Naidu stressed that industrialisation should benefit rural families by creating entrepreneurship opportunities and additional income streams for farmers.
Ethanol policy on the anvil
The Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh should prepare for the growing demand for ethanol, particularly as India moves towards higher ethanol blending in petrol.
He noted that if ethanol blending is increased to 40%, maize farmers would benefit from a significant rise in demand and better incomes. He directed officials to encourage all investments in ethanol manufacturing and prepare a comprehensive policy covering ethanol, methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Naidu said wealth creation and a circular economy should remain key priorities of the government, while also calling for large-scale promotion of food processing industries.
Tourism to become a major economic driver
Highlighting the untapped potential of tourism, the Chief Minister directed officials to establish 100 Experience Centres at major tourist destinations across the state.
He identified Thimmamma Marrimanu, Polavaram, Dindi, Gandikota, Kambham Cheruvu and Lambasingi as priority destinations for tourism development. He also said Jindal Group has expressed interest in setting up a resort near Lambasingi and Araku.
Naidu also called for the promotion of Andhra Pradesh’s famous handicrafts, including Etikoppaka toys, Kondapalli toys, Dharmavaram silk, Mangalagiri handlooms, Uppada sarees and Ponduru khadi.
He directed departments to prepare the Suryalanka Master Plan at the earliest and develop new attractions such as Kangundi Fort in Kuppam and an Elephant Safari in Chittoor district.
The Chief Minister noted that the state is witnessing rapid growth in tourism infrastructure. While Andhra Pradesh had 4,390 hotel rooms in 2024, approvals have already been issued for 9,364 additional rooms over the past two years, taking the total to 13,753 rooms.
Focus on solar manufacturing
Naidu also instructed officials to attract more solar cell manufacturing investments, saying Andhra Pradesh should emerge as a national leader in the sector as renewable energy expands rapidly.
He directed officials to expedite the establishment of the remaining 38 MSME parks, integrate them with railway terminals, and strengthen logistics and skill development infrastructure. He also emphasised that new industries should increasingly use green energy.
Major projects approved
Among the major investments approved by the SIPB are:
- Akshat Greentech Pvt. Ltd. – ₹1,600 crore solar cell and module manufacturing unit at Parawada, Anakapalli district.
- Berry Alloys Ltd. – ₹1,200 crore integrated manganese sinter, DRI and carbon paste plant at Bobbili Growth Centre.
- Geo Mysore India Pvt. Ltd. – ₹689 crore Swarnagiri Gold Mining Project in Kurnool district.
- Eco Box Industrials Asset IV Pvt. Ltd. (Google Warehouse Partners) – ₹1,008 crore logistics and light industrial park in Visakhapatnam.
- Adani Foundation – ₹2,200 crore project at Kapuluppada in Visakhapatnam district.
- Mondelez India Foods Pvt. Ltd. – ₹1,801 crore food processing unit at Sri City in Tirupati district.
- Nexus Integrated Logistics Park – ₹255 crore integrated logistics park at Satyavedu in Tirupati district.
The board also approved hospitality projects, including four-star and three-star hotels in Nellore and YSR Kadapa districts, a hotel and exhibition centre in Vijayawada, and an integrated amusement park in Kadapa.
₹11.86 lakh crore investment approvals in two years
The Chief Minister said that since the present government assumed office, 19 SIPB meetings have approved 339 projects involving investments of ₹11.86 lakh crore.
According to the government, these projects have the potential to generate employment for over 10.41 lakh people, making Andhra Pradesh one of the country’s fastest-growing destinations for industrial investment.