Proposed shrimp feed price hikes in Andhra Pradesh have been temporarily suspended following intervention by the State government. The decision came after Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu held a video conference with shrimp feed manufacturers, aqua farmer associations, and senior officials.
Following the meeting, the Shrimp Feed Manufacturers Association formally informed the government that it would defer the proposed price increase. The industry had cited rising raw material costs as the primary reason behind the planned hike.
During the discussions, Atchannaidu strongly opposed any unilateral increase in feed prices, warning companies against burdening aqua farmers at a time when the aquaculture sector is already facing multiple challenges. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate measures adversely affecting farmers’ livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has written to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal seeking urgent intervention over escalating raw material prices impacting shrimp feed production.
In his communication, Naidu noted that feed cost increases are adding nearly Rs 25,000 per tonne to farmers’ production expenses, potentially discouraging shrimp cultivation and affecting the livelihoods of thousands dependent on aquaculture.
He also urged the Centre to improve availability of feed raw materials through measures such as easing soybean meal and soybean oil imports, while proposing a dedicated mechanism to monitor shrimp feed pricing and protect farmer interests.
