Naidu requests 20,378 acre salt land for port-led devlpt

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has sought the Centre’s approval to transfer around 20,378 acres of salt lands under Central government control to Andhra Pradesh, with the objective of accelerating port-led industrial and commercial development in the state. Naidu raised the issue during his meeting with Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal in Delhi on Thursday and sought permission to utilise the lands for port expansion and allied infrastructure, including connectivity roads, railway lines and industrial activities.

The Chief Minister said the state government had already submitted proposals to the Centre for allocation of the 20,378 acres held by the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) for port-based industrial projects.

He underlined that adequate land around ports was critical for developing the supporting infrastructure and industrial ecosystem required to maximise their economic potential.

The proposed land transfer is aimed at facilitating not only expansion of port facilities but also the road and rail connectivity and industrial activities that would support port-based growth.

Naidu also sought the commerce ministry’s support in creating stronger international market opportunities for Andhra Pradesh’s commercial crops.

He pointed out that products such as chilli, tobacco and aquaculture had significant demand in overseas markets and urged the Centre to strengthen the ecosystem required to expand exports.

He sought support for better market linkages, export infrastructure, quality standards and processing facilities, which he said would help farmers and producers gain greater access to international markets and improve the export potential of Andhra Pradesh’s commercial crops.

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