New Delhi, 25 September (H.S.): Andhra Pradesh is developing 23 sector-specific clusters covering emerging technologies and traditional industries as part of a strategy to attract investment, promote innovation and create employment opportunities, IT Minister Nara Lokesh said on Thursday.

Speaking at a fireside chat organised by the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), Lokesh said the clusters would cover sectors including quantum technology, horticulture, rare earth minerals, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, data centres, cement and automotive industries.

He said the state would launch its Horticulture Mission on October 2, with nearly Rs 1 lakh crore planned for research. Andhra Pradesh also plans to establish an Indian School of Agriculture, modelled on the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad, to strengthen agricultural research and development.

Lokesh said horticulture and aquaculture were important components of the state's growth strategy alongside emerging technologies such as quantum technology.

Andhra Pradesh is also developing a quantum technology ecosystem in Amaravati, covering areas such as cryogenics, material sciences and quantum applications, including manufacturing. Lokesh said the state had taken the lead in bringing IBM's first 150-qubit quantum computer to Amaravati and planned to build a wider ecosystem around the technology.

He said the 23-cluster strategy was aimed at creating both blue- and white-collar employment opportunities, with skill development being a key component to meet workforce requirements across sectors.

The state is targeting 50,000 hotel rooms, with hospitality brands including Oberoi, Mayfair, Taj, Marriott and Hyatt expanding their presence in Andhra Pradesh, Lokesh said.

He also referred to Google's investment in the state and further investments in the data-centre sector.

Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh was currently a USD 200-billion economy and had set a target of becoming a USD 2.4-trillion economy by 2047. He said achieving the target would require development across sectors, with the 23 clusters forming part of a broader strategy to attract investment, strengthen skills and generate employment across the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar