The Aquaculture Innovation Tech 2.0 Conclave (February 2025) represents a major milestone in GFST’s ongoing mission to integrate DeepTech and GovTech into India’s high-growth sectors. In partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, GFST brings together thought leaders and experts to shape the five-year action plan (2024–29) for sustainable aquaculture growth under the Swarna Andhra 2047 vision.
Key Highlights:
Growth Vision: Aiming for 30% CAGR (2024–29), scaling Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture sector from ₹1 lakh crore to ₹3.7 lakh crore.
Scale of Engagement: Real-time survey of 60,000 aquaculture farmers to inform data-driven governance and policy decisions.
Technology Integration: AI, ML, IoT, blockchain, and remote sensing are being deployed for predictive analytics, automation, and disease monitoring.
P4 Model in Action: Promoting a Public–Private–People Partnership framework for inclusive, tech-enabled growth.
Sectoral Coverage: Focus on shrimp, freshwater prawn, and inland fish farming, expanding Andhra Pradesh’s dominance as India’s aquaculture hub.
Strategic Focus Areas:
DeepTech for Aquaculture: Building AI-powered dashboards for farm-level insights, predictive disease control, and real-time production analytics.
Digital Governance: Establishing a Decision Support System and Aquaculture Digital Stack for evidence-based policymaking.
Finance & Insurance Inclusion: Proposing ₹15,000–₹20,000 crore in FinTech-enabled credit and full insurance coverage for aquaculture farmers.
Infrastructure & Innovation: Launch of Integrated Aqua Parks, cold chains, and hatchery networks for value addition and exports.
Climate Resilience & Sustainability: FAO-GEF collaboration to enhance biodiversity, reduce emissions, and build climate-smart aquaculture systems.
Policy Insights & Data Findings:
Only 3% of aquaculture acreage is insured; GFST calls for comprehensive insurance for disease, natural disaster, and theft risks.
Tech-adopted farms yield 2–3× higher productivity per acre with optimized input use.
Over 67% of farmers rely on self-financing; new credit models aim to democratize institutional funding access.
Multi-species diversification (Rohu, Catla, Vannamei, and Seabass) can stabilize markets and enhance export competitiveness.
Major Institutional Collaborations:
Government of Andhra Pradesh Departments: Fisheries, AHDD, and AP State Aquaculture Development Authority.
Global Partners: FAO, NABARD, World Bank, and JICA.
National Institutes: CIBA, CMFRI, CIFA, and NBFGR.
Technology Enablers: ONDC, MeitY, and DeepTech startups driving smart aquaculture ecosystems.
Outcome Roadmap (2024–29):
Production Targets: 111.27 LMT by 2029 (Inland 60 LMT, Shrimp 49 LMT, Marine 10 LMT).
Export Target: ₹1 lakh crore in seafood exports by 2029.
Employment: 55 lakh jobs through aquaculture entrepreneurship and digital skilling.
Innovation Ecosystem: Launch of Aquaculture Accelerator @ GFST to nurture startups, research, and policy innovation.
Visionary Leadership:
“Andhra Pradesh is the next big wave in India’s Blue Economy. Through DeepTech and the P4 Model, we will empower farmers, expand exports, and shape a sustainable aquaculture revolution.”
— Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
Conclusion:
The GFST Aquaculture Innovation Tech 2.0 initiative underscores Andhra Pradesh’s emergence as the “Fish Bowl of India” and a global hub for the Blue Economy. Through data-driven governance, advanced technology, and inclusive policy reform, this initiative redefines aquaculture as a driver of prosperity, sustainability, and rural transformation.
