Andhra Pradesh tops key sectors in RBI report

According to a recent report released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Andhra Pradesh has emerged as one of the best-performing states in the country across several key sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, economic growth, and social development indicators.

The report highlights Andhra Pradesh’s leading position in fruit production during the 2024-25 financial year. With an output of about 19 million tonnes, the state ranked first nationally. Andhra Pradesh also topped production in major fruits such as mango, sweet orange, papaya, and lemon. In terms of area under fruit cultivation, the state secured the second position in the country.

The fisheries sector continues to be a major strength for Andhra Pradesh. The state produced nearly 5.1 million tonnes of fish, making it the largest fish producer in India. Notably, Andhra Pradesh accounts for over 40 per cent of the country’s total aquaculture output. The RBI report attributes this strong performance to the state’s long coastline, abundant water resources from the Godavari and Krishna rivers, and fertile soil conditions.

On the economic front, Andhra Pradesh has shown steady progress. The state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for 2024-25 is estimated at around ₹16 lakh crore. Per capita income has crossed ₹2.5 lakh, indicating an overall improvement in living standards.

Social indicators also show positive trends. The average life expectancy in the state stands at around 70 years, on par with the national average. Male life expectancy is about 68 years, while women live longer at an average of 73 years, reflecting improvements in healthcare access and outcomes, especially for women.

In other development indicators, Andhra Pradesh ranks 14th nationally in per capita electricity consumption, with an average availability of around 1,500 units per person. While the state has increased its focus on renewable energy, transmission losses continue to affect its ranking. In the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Andhra Pradesh secured the 10th position nationwide with a score of 74.

The RBI report notes that the state’s economic structure remains balanced, with the services sector contributing around 45 per cent to the economy, followed by agriculture at 32 per cent and industry at 23 per cent. Government initiatives such as farmer support schemes, growth in inland aquaculture, healthcare programmes like the YSR Aarogyasri scheme, and the adoption of modern technologies have played a key role in driving this progress.

Despite challenges such as natural disasters and fluctuating market prices, especially in agriculture and fisheries, the RBI concludes that Andhra Pradesh has made consistent and broad-based progress. Overall, the state is moving steadily towards sustainable development and continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading growth states.