Aqua Farmers Oppose Proposed Shrimp Feed Price Hike in Andhra Pradesh

Shrimp feed manufacturers in Andhra Pradesh have proposed to increase the prices of Vannamei shrimp feed by ₹12 per kg and tiger shrimp feed by ₹14 per kg, citing a rise in the prices of raw materials such as fish meal, fish oil, and soybean. The manufacturers have written to the AP Fisheries Commissioner and the Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Authority (APSADA) seeking permission for the price hike.

The aqua farmers, however, are opposing the move, stating that the prices have already been increased by ₹4 per kg in February, and another hike would make their cultivation unprofitable. Duggineni Gopinath, president of the Prakasam District Shrimp Farmers’ Association, has urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to reject the proposal and help the aqua farmers.

The association leaders argue that the prices of raw materials have not increased as much as the companies claim, and the feed manufacturing firms are attempting to increase the prices to make more profits. They have also urged the government to provide power subsidy to all shrimp farmers by reducing the tariff to ₹1.50 per unit.

The immediate outlook is that the AP Fisheries Commissioner and APSADA will review the proposal and decide on the next course of action. The aqua farmers will continue to oppose the price hike, and the government's response will be crucial in determining the fate of the aqua industry in the state.