The Hindu Business Line : ‘Backward districts in AP have industrial potential’

Hyderabad, Aug. 6 The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on Monday released ‘IGNITE – The CII Study on the Industrial Potential of three districts of Andhra Pradesh’ (Anantapur, Chittoor and Kadapa) in Hyderabad.

The multi-dimensional study focussed on the development of industrial potential in the region. The study reveals that there is considerable potential for growth and development in the existing sectors as well as in new sectors in these districts through innovative utilisation of existing resources.

Scope in Anantapur

The study highlighted that Anantapur district was favourable for manufacturing and ITES, especially at the lower end and also research and development centres. There is also good scope for bio-diesel, wind power and horticulture.

Chittoor district has good industrial potential in engineering and auto ancillaries and could be developed as a manufacturing satellite to Bangalore/Chennai. There is potential for food processing industry as well. The study also recommends that Chittoor and Renigunta be developed as logistics hubs.

Export hub potential

Satyavedu, being close to the Chennai port, could be developed as an export hub. ITES could be developed in Tirupati, it said.

Kadapa district was ideal for mining of barites, limestone, dolomite, clays, granite, slabs etc. There was lot of scope for horticulture and sericulture in this district. While discussing the manufacturing sector, the study pointed out the potentials in cement, edible oils, mango pulp and silk.

Recommendations

In order to bring about industrialisation, the study said that it was preferable to focus on certain existing centres where industries have already developed and create pockets of economic excellence, which in turn will drive the development of the hinterland. The study mooted a four-pronged approach to achieving excellence:

Develop the industries, trade and services that have already taken root in the region

Develop industries that can add value to local produce; this would propel the growth of the primary sector as well

Develop new industries, trade and services by using the present locational advantages and those for which the region is suitable.

Provide a level playing field to achieve the above objectives with the aid of incentives, etc.

Dr J. Geeta Reddy, Minister for Sugar, Major Industries, Commerce and Export Promotion; Mr Pradeep Dhobale, Chairman, CII Andhra Pradesh; and Mr Utpal Sen Gupta, Vice-Chairman, CII Andhra Pradesh, were present at the event, according to a CII press release.

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