Vijayawada: Strengthening the aquaculture ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh demands active private sector participation and innovation,” said B Rajasekhar, special chief secretary, AHDD & fisheries department, at a national conference on fisheries and aquaculture organised by CII-FACE in Vijayawada.In his keynote address, Rajasekhar emphasised that private sector-led investments in technology, infrastructure, and value chain integration are crucial to overcome bottlenecks, expand capacity, and connect farmers to markets. “We must encourage innovation, reduce inefficiencies, and build forward linkages if we are to scale up the sector sustainably,” he added.Themed “Fostering sustainable growth & competitiveness in fisheries and aquaculture,” the conference brought together industry leaders, govt officials, and development organisations. Discussions centred on growth strategies, conservation, and innovations in marine, brackish water, and inland fisheries.Rama Shankar Naik, commissioner of fisheries, highlighted the state’s efforts to modernise cold chains and logistics. “Our policy framework welcomes long-term private investment,” he noted. Dr S Kannappan of NFDB reiterated the importance of aligning state efforts with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
