The opposition leader of Andhra Pradesh and YSRCP president, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has warned the government that if the high aqua feed prices are not reduced by the end of this month he will start protests with aqua farmers on July 1 or 2. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy met with aqua farmers and representatives of the AP Prawn Federation from districts at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli on Tuesday. The aqua farmers shared their concerns about the crisis in the aqua sector with YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Jagan Assures Full Support to Aqua Farmers
After listening to the problems of the aqua farmers YS Jagan Mohan Reddy told them that the YSRCP will stand with the aqua farming community. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the aqua sector is facing challenges because of high production costs and low international shrimp prices. This is making it hard for aqua farmers to make a living. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy wants to help the aqua farmers.
Questions Government Over Massive Aqua Feed Price Hike
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized the government for the increase in aqua feed prices. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy remembered that when he was in power even a small increase in aqua feed prices was called a “Jagan Tax” by his opponents. Now the aqua feed prices have increased by ₹16 per kilogram. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy asked what kind of tax this is. Is it a “CBN Tax” or a “Lokesh Tax”? YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that companies that control aqua seed, aqua feed and processing are connected to the Chief Minister and are exploiting aqua farmers.
Highlights Subsidies Given During YSRCP Rule
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that his government kept its promise to aqua farmers by giving them electricity at ₹1.50 per unit. The YSRCP government gave ₹3,306 crore in subsidies to support the aqua sector over 57 months. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy noted that the current government has issued GO RT No.169, which can reduce power subsidies for aqua motors. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the government of trying to stop the benefits that aqua farmers used to get.
APSADA Was Created to Prevent Syndicate Exploitation
The former Chief Minister said that during the YSRCP administration the government created APSADA with the Chief Minister as its chairman. APSADA was made to stop syndicate practices and protect aqua farmers from pricing. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed that companies that increased prices arbitrarily faced action under the previous government.. The current government has weakened the institution and allowed exploitation to continue.
Falling Shrimp Prices, Rising Costs Hurt Aqua Farmers
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that aqua farmers are being hurt from both sides. International shrimp prices have gone down. Input costs like aqua feed and production expenses have gone up. Many aqua farmers are suffering financial losses. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also said that the government has neglected plans for an Aqua University, which was meant to strengthen the aquaculture sector through research and innovation.
Warning of Statewide Movement
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy urged the government to reduce aqua feed prices. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy warned that if the government does not act the YSRCP will start a movement to highlight the problems of aqua farmers, across Andhra Pradesh and the whole country. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the government must respond quickly. If it does not the YSRCP will take the struggle of aqua farmers to the country. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and the YSRCP will support the aqua farmers.
