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New Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
APTDC signs MoUs worth Rs 10.3k crore at tourism conclave
VIJAYAWADA: In a significant boost to the tourism sector, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) signed 82 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for investments amounting to Rs 10,329 crore during the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave Tech AI 2.0. The MoUs, signed in the presence of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, span wellness, eco-tourism, caravan tourism, hospitality infrastructure, homestays, and digital solutions. Launching the AP Tourism Digital Calendar, the Chief Minister said the investments reflect restored confidence in the State's governance and vision. 'Tourism is not just an economic activity; it is a tool for empowerment, employment, and environment-friendly development,' he said. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh said the partnerships align with the 2024–29 Tourism Policy, which grants industrial status to the sector. The policy offers 100% stamp duty exemption, electricity duty reimbursement, SGST incentives, and fast-tracked approvals. The MoUs include plans for luxury resorts, spiritual circuits, heritage restoration, medical and wellness tourism. APTDC MD Amrapali Kata said real-time dashboards will monitor project milestones and investor facilitation to ensure transparency and accountability. GFST Director Ch Kutumba Rao and Vice Chairman SP Tucker said the State is poised to lead in tourism-driven development.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Livestock-based livelihoods key to economic upliftment, says Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu
Vijayawada: Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the transformative potential of the dairy sector in improving the lives of the poor, stating that livestock-based livelihoods offer a sustainable path to economic upliftment . He made these remarks while addressing the 'Animal Husbandry Tech AI 2.0 Conclave' in collaboration with the Global Forum for Sustainable Transformation (GFST) at Hotel Murali Fortune on said that agriculture and allied sectors always received priority under TDP governance, helping position Andhra Pradesh as a frontrunner in agriculture nationwide. He noted the event was a valuable platform for knowledge-sharing, urging all stakeholders to absorb new ideas and technological advances for sectoral chief minister pointed out that around 42 lakh families in the state rely on livestock for their livelihood. Andhra Pradesh ranks first in egg production, fifth in meat production, and seventh in milk production nationally. He emphasized the need to promote high-value horticulture crops, aiming to double horticultural coverage to 36 lakh hectares. Micro-irrigation will be central to this effort, he said. Naidu recalled submitting a landmark report on micro-irrigation during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's tenure, which continues to be used as a reference document. He reiterated Andhra Pradesh's leadership in implementing micro-irrigation stressed the importance of using technology and knowledge to enhance entrepreneurship in rural areas, adding that institutions like GFST were designed to encourage innovation in these sectors. While asserting that Andhra Pradesh leads the country in agriculture, Naidu acknowledged the need to strengthen the service and industrial sectors. He cited Telangana, where 67% of revenue comes from services, compared to just 46% in Andhra Pradesh. He called for a balanced approach to economic development that boosts all also noted global dietary shifts towards protein-rich and healthy foods, including interest in millets, fruits, and vegetables—offering further opportunity for horticulture expansion. The conclave included interactive sessions where the chief minister engaged with farmers and criticized the previous govt for plunging the state into a debt burden of ₹10 lakh crore, damaging the state's brand image and investor confidence. He claimed that industrialists avoided investing in Andhra Pradesh due to governance failures but are now returning due to restored credibility under his leadership. He reaffirmed the TDP govt's commitment to P4 (People, Public, Private Partnership for Progress) and poverty eradication by bridging economic gaps and enhancing living standards."Only those who adapt to change can lead," he said, noting how Indian—and particularly Telugu—professionals excelled globally, especially in IT. He cited Hyderabad's growth as a tech hub as an example of how strategic planning and innovation can uplift a region's fortunes.
Hans India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Chandrababu Naidu Champions Technology and Maritime Development at Tech AI 2.0 Launch
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the importance of technology in agriculture during the inauguration of the ongoing Tech AI 2.0 initiative within the Animal Husbandry Department on Thursday. Speaking at the event, he recalled the establishment of the Global Federation for Successful Technology (GFST), aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in the region. The Chief Minister noted that around 42 lakh individuals rely on livestock, which plays a crucial role in the economy, contributing 13.5 percent to the Goods and Services Tax (GST). "I am a lifelong student. I will keep learning new things all the time," he stated, highlighting the need for continuous education and adaptation. Naidu encouraged startups developing applications beneficial to farmers, proposing the creation of a WhatsApp application to consolidate agricultural services for their convenience. He also spoke about maritime initiatives, revealing plans to leverage Andhra Pradesh's extensive coastline of over 1,000 km for economic development. He confirmed that the Central Government has approved plans for a shipbuilding and repair cluster in Dugarajapatnam, alongside a greenfield port, as per the bifurcation agreement. The Chief Minister pointed out that farmers are consistently earning income through dairy farming, asserting that incomes significantly increase during the tenure of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Quoting a contribution of ₹1.69 lakh crore to the gross state domestic product (GSDP) from livestock, he added, "The highest income comes from horticulture. Andhra Pradesh is the fastest-growing state in India's agricultural sector." Chandrababu further remarked on the shift in food habits within the state, sharing his own preference for a straightforward breakfast of omelettes. He highlighted the rising significance of millets and fruits and noted that Andhra Pradesh boasts the most advanced micro-irrigation systems in the country, further reinforcing the state's agricultural prominence.
