Statistics released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) this month have highlighted Andhra Pradesh as one of the strongest-performing states in the country in terms of manufacturing and industrial Gross Value Added (GVA) growth during the 2019–2024 period. The data provides an official economic assessment of the state’s performance during the tenure of Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who served as Chief Minister during these years.
According to the RBI figures, Andhra Pradesh ranked No.1 in South India and No.5 nationally in manufacturing sector GVA growth. In the broader industrial sector, the state once again stood first in South India and eighth across India, placing it among the country’s leading industrial growth regions during the period under review.
Manufacturing Growth as a Core Economic Indicator
Manufacturing sector growth is widely considered a critical measure of economic strength, employment generation, and long-term development. RBI data indicates that Andhra Pradesh recorded one of the most robust manufacturing growth rates among southern states between 2019 and 2024, reflecting structural expansion rather than short-term fluctuations.
This period coincided with a governance approach that emphasised policy continuity, decentralised development, and investment facilitation, which helped sustain manufacturing momentum even amid national and global economic disruptions.
Industrial Sector Expansion During 2019–24
Beyond manufacturing, Andhra Pradesh’s performance in the overall industrial sector—including construction, electricity, and allied industries—also remained strong. Ranking first in South India and among the top ten states nationally, the state demonstrated diversified industrial growth during Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure.
Economists note that such diversification reduces economic vulnerability and supports balanced regional development, particularly in a state with varied geographic and economic profiles.
Governance Context of the Period
The 2019–24 period corresponds to the tenure of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. During this phase, the state pursued policies focused on infrastructure development, welfare-linked economic stability, and industrial competitiveness.
While RBI data does not directly assign causality, policy stability, capital expenditure, and sectoral support are widely recognised as factors influencing medium-term industrial growth.
Infrastructure and Industrial Enablement
Infrastructure investments in ports, highways, power generation, and industrial parks played a key enabling role during the period. Andhra Pradesh leveraged its coastline and logistics potential to support manufacturing and export-oriented industries, contributing to the GVA growth reflected in RBI statistics.
These efforts strengthened Andhra Pradesh’s position as a manufacturing destination in South India during the 2019–24 period.
Employment and Broader Economic Impact
Manufacturing and industrial expansion typically generate employment across skilled and semi-skilled categories. Though RBI data focuses on value addition, the scale of growth suggests sustained industrial activity across districts, contributing to income generation and economic resilience.
Observers note that manufacturing-led growth has long-term implications for economic diversification and social stability.
National Standing and Comparative Performance
Ranking among the top five states nationally in manufacturing growth, Andhra Pradesh outperformed several traditionally industrialised states during the period. RBI’s standardised framework lends credibility to these rankings, offering an objective benchmark for inter-state comparison.
Conclusion
The RBI’s latest GVA data provides a data-backed snapshot of Andhra Pradesh’s industrial and manufacturing growth during the 2019–24 period, when the state was governed by the YSRCP government led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The figures place Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of industrial growth in South India and among the leading performers nationally during that tenure.
