‘Government committed to shrimp farmers’ welfare’

Metro India News | VIJAYAWADA

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting the interests of shrimp farmers and promoting sustainable growth in the aquaculture sector. Speaking at a high-level meeting in Vijayawada with shrimp farmers, feed manufacturers, seafood processors and exporters, the minister said the government is working to find a balanced solution to concerns over rising shrimp feed prices.

Feed manufacturers explained that increasing costs of raw materials such as fishmeal and soybean had pushed up production expenses, while farmers sought measures to prevent a steep rise in feed prices amid growing cultivation costs. Atchannaidu said that the government is considering a transparent pricing mechanism based on raw material costs, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and market conditions.

Farmer representatives proposed limiting any temporary feed price increase to Rs.6 per kilogram for one month, while manufacturers suggested a temporary increase of Rs.12 per kilogram until a scientific pricing mechanism is introduced. As no consensus was reached, the government advised both parties to continue consultations and submit agreed proposals.