A.P. SIPB clears 11 investment proposals worth ₹9,076 crore; CM calls for ethanol blending policy

The Andhra Pradesh State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB), at its 19th meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday, approved 11 investment proposals with a total outlay of ₹9,076.11 crore, with a potential to create 10,531 jobs. 

Chairing the meeting, Mr. Naidu stressed that industrialisation should complement agriculture by creating additional income opportunities for farmer families and enabling them to emerge as entrepreneurs. 

He directed officials to ensure more investments in sectors that strengthen the rural economy, with a focus on ethanol production, food processing, renewable energy and tourism. The projects aligned with the government’s wealth creation goals and the promotion of a circular economy, he said.

Highlighting the Centre’s ethanol blending programme, Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh should position itself to capitalise on the anticipated rise in ethanol demand. Increasing ethanol blending to 40 per cent would significantly boost demand for maize, creating an additional income for farmers.

“The officials need to encourage investment in ethanol manufacturing and formulate a comprehensive policy covering ethanol, methane and sustainable aviation fuel to support clean energy initiatives, boost industrial growth and create new opportunities for the agriculture sector,” he said.

He directed officials to actively promote ethanol manufacturing projects across the State.

Officials informed the SIPB that since the present government assumed office, 19 SIPB meetings had approved 339 projects involving proposed investments of ₹11.86 lakh crore, with the potential to generate employment for more than 10.41 lakh people.

Ministers and senior officials, including Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav, Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu and other members of the State Cabinet, also attended the meeting.