Hans News Service Vijayawada

Seekingurgent policy interventions to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s industrial ecosystem, the Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) submitted a series of representations to Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi.

A delegation led by AP Chambers President P. Bhaskara Rao met the Minister and highlighted critical issues relating to food processing, quality infrastructure, MSMEs, legal metrology, food storage, and renewable energy. One of the key demands placed before the Minister was the establishment of a BIS-owned and operated Regional Testing Laboratory in Andhra Pradesh. AP Chambers stated that such a facility would significantly strengthen the State’s quality infrastructure and provide much-needed support to industries, MSMEs, exporters, and manufacturers.

The Chambers also urged the Centre to promote rice value addition and rice-based food processing industries. Despite Andhra Pradesh exporting rice worth more than Rs 20,000 crore annually, the State has immense untapped potential in value-added food processing, the delegation noted.

To improve the ease of doing business, AP Chambers sought Legal Metrology reforms and requested the establishment of a Regional Centre for Legal Metrology and Calibration in Andhra Pradesh. The delegation further appealed for the creation of a National Food Storage and Logistics Hub in the State and strengthening of food grain procurement and storage infrastructure.

On the renewable energy front, AP Chambers sought the Union Government’s immediate intervention regarding the implementation of ALMM List-II and mandatory DCR module compliance for solar projects. The delegation explained that the sharp price difference between Non-DCR and DCR modules has led to substantial cost escalation, adversely impacting project viability, financing arrangements, execution schedules, and investor confidence.

The Chambers requested transitional relief for ongoing projects, grandfathering protection for projects already sanctioned or under implementation, and a reasonable timeline for compliance to prevent disruption to the renewable energy sector.

AP Chambers Energy Committee Vice-chairman B. Phani Chandra was also part of the delegation.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi gave a patient hearing to the issues raised and assured the delegation that the representations would be examined favourably.