Blue Economy Takes Centre Stage
Referring to the Prime Minister’s repeated emphasis from the Red Fort on the importance of the Blue Economy, Dr Singh said the Budget gives concrete shape to this national priority. Fisheries, marine exports, coastal infrastructure, and ocean-based economic activities have been placed at the heart of India’s long-term growth strategy.
The Minister highlighted key policy reforms, including the decision to allow deep-sea fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and the recognition of fish landings at foreign ports as exports. These measures, he said, will significantly enhance fishermen’s income while strengthening food security and export competitiveness.
Major Gains for Andhra Pradesh
With its long coastline and well-established aquaculture ecosystem, Andhra Pradesh is expected to benefit substantially from the renewed focus on marine development. Dr Singh noted that investments in modernizing reservoirs, strengthening coastal fisheries infrastructure, expanding cold chain networks, and improving processing facilities will create an integrated marine economy.
This integrated approach will link livelihoods with logistics, exports, and value addition, transforming coastal states like Andhra Pradesh into growth multipliers for the national economy.
Industrial Corridors and Strategic Infrastructure
Dr Singh also linked the Blue Economy mission with the development of strategic industrial corridors. He said the proposed Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Corridor in Andhra Pradesh will position the state at the forefront of next-generation manufacturing, renewable energy components, and advanced materials.
Alongside this, eastern coastal industrial corridors will enhance logistics integration and strengthen India’s participation in global supply chains. The integration of ports, container manufacturing, rail connectivity, and industrial clusters is expected to create a seamless economic architecture.
Support for Irrigation, Agriculture and Amaravati
The Minister reaffirmed continued support for the Polavaram irrigation project, calling it a foundational investment for long-term productivity and water security in the region. He also spoke about sustained infrastructure support for Amaravati and the expansion of capital investment in the state.
Agriculture reforms, high-value plantation crops, MSME growth funds, and women-led Self-Help Group enterprises were cited as key components of inclusive development under the Budget framework.
Roadmap to Viksit Bharat 2047
Dr Singh concluded that Union Budget 2026–27 balances fiscal discipline with sustained capital expenditure, ensuring stability amid global economic uncertainty. Andhra Pradesh’s role spans fisheries, ports, industrial corridors, digital infrastructure, mineral value chains, and agricultural exports.
With coastal states leading the Blue Economy mission and industrial corridors driving advanced manufacturing, Andhra Pradesh is positioned as a central partner in India’s journey toward becoming a globally competitive, export-driven, and innovation-led economy.
