West Godavari collector unveils circular economy blueprint to drive investments, jobs

Vijayawada: West Godavari district collector Chadalavada Nagarani came out with “Circular Economy Blueprint” focusing on converting agricultural residue, seafood waste and livestock manure into commercially viable products capable of generating employment and industrial growth in rural Andhra Pradesh. The district collector contended that they are going to transform West Godavari into a future hub for bio-products, green energy and value-added rural industries.Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu directed all district collectors to immediately implement the WG model to deliver results on the circular economy after he was impressed with a proposal that combined economic growth targets with sustainability-driven industrialisation. Nagarani said West Godavari, despite a rapid rise in per capita income, still suffered from weak industrial expansion.West Godavari’s per capita income was projected to touch ₹3.5 lakh in 2025-26, up from ₹2.41 lakh in 2022-23, the district collector said. The district collector said the rise reflected a sharp growth trajectory driven by agriculture, aquaculture and services. However, the industrial sector’s share in the district economy remained stagnant at around 15-16 per cent, exposing what Nagarani described as a “missing multiplier effect.” “We are a naturally wealthy district, but we must convert that agricultural surplus into industrial growth and employment generation,” Nagarani told ‘TOI.’The collector said Andhra Pradesh produced nearly seven million tonnes of rice annually, which created significant potential for secondary industries using rice husk, rice bran and broken rice. Under the proposed circular economy model, the collector said rice milling waste could be converted into silica gel, biomass energy, rice bran oil, ethanol and fortified rice kernels. “Paddy should not be viewed merely as a food crop. It is an industrial raw material capable of supporting energy, nutrition and manufacturing sectors simultaneously,” Nagarani observed.The official said the district administration already initiated industry mobilisation efforts through a conclave conducted in Bhimavaram, where over 500 rice millers reportedly expressed interest in diversifying into value-added sectors, including silica-based products, biomass power and edible oil extraction. The presentation noted that the initiative already facilitated multiple industrial units and generated immediate employment opportunities.Nagarani showcased West Godavari’s growing cocoa ecosystem, highlighting that the district currently has 5,880 acres under cocoa cultivation and produces around 1,700 metric tonnes annually. The presentation stressed that farmers currently receive nearly Rs 300 per kg locally despite global cocoa prices crossing Rs 395 per kg, underlining the need for local processing and branding. Successful local brands such as Choco Tales and The Slow Bean were presented as models of women-led rural industrialisation supported through SHGs, DRDA and PMFME schemes.