Andhra's 23-Cluster Strategy Spans Quantum, Horticulture, Rare Earths: Nara Lokesh

Andhra Pradesh is developing 23 sector-specific clusters spanning quantum technology, horticulture, rare earth minerals, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence and data centres as part of a strategy to attract investment, drive innovation and create jobs across skill levels, IT Minister Nara Lokesh said.

Speaking at a fireside chat organised by the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), Lokesh said the clusters cover both emerging technologies and traditional industries such as cement and automotive.

The state will launch its Horticulture Mission on October 2, with close to ₹1 lakh crore planned for research, Lokesh said. It also plans to establish an Indian School of Agriculture, modelled on the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad, to strengthen the ecosystem for agricultural research and development.

"Horticulture and aquaculture are equally important" to Andhra Pradesh's growth strategy alongside emerging technologies such as quantum technology, Lokesh said.

The state is also developing a quantum technology ecosystem in Amaravati, covering areas including cryogenics, material sciences and quantum applications and use cases, including manufacturing.

Andhra Pradesh has taken the lead in bringing the first 150-qubit quantum computer from IBM to Amaravati, Lokesh said, adding that the state plans to build a broader ecosystem around the technology.

He said the 23-cluster strategy is aimed at creating both blue- and white-collar employment opportunities, with skilling critical to meeting demand across sectors.

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

He also pointed to major investment by Google in the state, followed by further investments in the data-centre sector.

Andhra Pradesh is currently a $200-billion economy and has set an ambition of becoming a $2.4-trillion economy by 2047, Lokesh said.

To achieve that target, the state needs to "fire across all cylinders" and develop every sector, he said.

Lokesh said the 23 clusters, ranging from agriculture and horticulture to advanced technologies and manufacturing, form part of a broader strategy to attract investment, build skills and generate employment across Andhra Pradesh.