Piyush Goyal Reviews Growth Plan for AP's Aquaculture, Tobacco Sectors

The Centre has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Andhra Pradesh's aquaculture and tobacco sectors, with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal holding a high-level meeting on Tuesday to discuss measures aimed at boosting exports, improving farmers' incomes, and enhancing the state's contribution to India's coastal economy.

The meeting brought together representatives of the two industries, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, senior officials from the Centre and the Andhra Pradesh government, Members of Parliament, and state ministers. According to Goyal, the discussions focused on unlocking the growth potential of both sectors through better market access, higher production, and stronger global competitiveness.

Sharing details on his official X account, Goyal said the Centre is committed to creating remunerative market opportunities for farmers by expanding domestic and international trade and opening new export avenues. He noted that these efforts would not only improve farm incomes but also contribute significantly to Andhra Pradesh's economic growth.

The minister said aquaculture remains a priority sector, given its strategic role in India's Blue Economy. Andhra Pradesh is the country's largest producer of farmed shrimp and a leading exporter of marine products, accounting for a substantial share of India's seafood exports. The state's nearly 975-km coastline, extensive aquaculture network, and export-oriented production have made it a key hub for shipments to markets such as the United States, China, Japan, and the European Union.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of the tobacco industry, another major pillar of Andhra Pradesh's rural economy. The state is India's leading producer of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, a premium variety exported to several international markets. The sector supports thousands of farmers and workers, making stable export demand and supportive trade policies critical for sustaining rural livelihoods.

Among those present were Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari, TDP Parliamentary Party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, and Andhra Pradesh ministers Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, Gottipati Ravi Kumar, and Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy.

Separately, Goyal also met a delegation led by UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and connectivity. The discussions are expected to further strengthen economic ties under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), potentially creating new export opportunities for sectors such as seafood, tobacco, and food processing.