Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday wrote a letter to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, seeking immediate Central intervention to control the rising prices of shrimp feed. He warned that the escalating costs are pushing aqua farmers into severe financial distress.
Chief Minister Highlights Growing Burden on Farmers
In his letter, the Chief Minister highlighted that the sharp increase in prices of raw materials used in shrimp feed production has significantly raised cultivation costs for farmers across the state. He stated that aqua farmers are now facing an additional burden of nearly Rs 25,000 per tonne of feed, making shrimp cultivation increasingly unsustainable.
Chandrababu expressed concern that if the price rise continues unchecked, many farmers could reduce or completely stop shrimp farming. This would impact both exports and employment linked to the aquaculture sector. Andhra Pradesh is one of the country's leading shrimp-producing states.
Proposed Measures to Stabilize Feed Prices
The chief minister urged the Centre to take steps to ensure adequate availability of raw materials for domestic needs. He suggested easing import restrictions on soybean meal and soybean oil, which are key ingredients in shrimp feed manufacturing.
He also proposed setting up a special monitoring mechanism to track feed prices and prevent unreasonable hikes. Stressing the need for coordinated action, Chandrababu said both the Central and state governments should work together to protect aqua farmers from mounting financial pressure and ensure feed remains available at affordable prices.
Potential Impact on Aquaculture Sector
The rising feed prices threaten the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in Andhra Pradesh, a state that contributes significantly to India's shrimp exports. If the situation worsens, it could lead to a decline in production, affecting the country's position in the global seafood market. The chief minister's appeal underscores the urgency of addressing this issue before it escalates further.
