Reliance Industries is planning a major investment in Andhra Pradesh, with the company set to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in compressed biogas (CBG) plants across the state, according to Executive Director Anant M Ambani.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub and Indian School of Agriculture in Madanapalle, Ambani said the investment would support Andhra Pradesh’s transition towards cleaner energy while creating new opportunities for farmers.
“Our kisans, who ensure India’s food security, will now strengthen India’s energy security too – making India self-reliant in energy,” he said.
“That is why Reliance Industries is grateful to the Government of Andhra Pradesh for the opportunity to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in the state to set up compressed biogas (CBG) plants.”
The proposed CBG plants are expected to create more than 3 lakh jobs and generate nearly Rs 60,000 crore in revenue for the state over the coming decades, Ambani said.
CBG is a renewable fuel made by processing organic waste such as agricultural residue, animal dung, food waste and other biomass into methane-rich gas. It can be used as a cleaner alternative to conventional natural gas across transport, industry and commercial applications.
The use of CBG can also help reduce waste and emissions, lower dependence on imported fossil fuels, create rural employment and generate new markets for agricultural and organic waste.
Ambani said Reliance is also investing in clean-energy projects in Rayalaseema and exploring opportunities in advanced manufacturing.
He cited state government data showing that Andhra Pradesh had approved 388 mega projects since June 2024, with investment commitments exceeding Rs 14 lakh crore and potential employment of nearly 11 lakh people. Around 1/3 of these investments are expected to go to the Rayalaseema region, he said.
Reliance will continue supporting the Indian School of Agriculture through strategic investment, digital capabilities, technical expertise and industry partnerships.
“I request you: Treat me as a son of Andhra,” Ambani told Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
“Today, we are not just laying foundation stones. We are laying the foundations for rural enterprise, stronger villages, a more sustainable India, and most importantly, for improving the lives of our farmers,” he said.
The Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub, backed by an investment of Rs 40,000 crore, will focus on promoting technology-driven agriculture across the region.
“Today, the Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub, backed by Rs 40,000 crore, brings the rising sun of India’s growth to Rayalaseema,” Ambani said.
The Indian School of Agriculture will combine artificial intelligence and modern technology with farmers’ traditional knowledge. Its applications will include pest prediction, drone-based crop monitoring, precision irrigation, robotics and price intelligence.
“Here in this School, Artificial Intelligence will meet the Traditional Intelligence of Bharat’s hard-working Kisans,” he said.
Reliance’s Jio will collaborate with the school to deliver training programmes to millions of farmers in Indian languages through virtual classrooms in villages. Rural youth could also be trained as digitally enabled extension workers.
Jio has developed Jio Krishi, a platform offering products aimed at farmers. Reliance has also established a research and development centre for bio-energy development in Jamnagar.
Ambani said Reliance would explore cooperation between the Indian School of Agriculture and Vantara’s proposed university for wildlife and veterinary sciences.
He said the initiatives could make agriculture a more attractive career for young Indians by giving them access to technology, skills and entrepreneurship opportunities within their villages.
“Let us give them the skills, technology and enterprise to build successful futures in their own villages,” Ambani said.
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