Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has alleged that the state’s aqua sector has been pushed into a severe crisis due to the decisions of the current government. He claimed that aqua farmers are suffering because of rising feed prices, increased electricity charges, reduced subsidies, and declining export values.
Assuring farmers of his support, Jagan said, “I understand the hardships of aqua farmers… I am with you.”
Growing Hardships for Aqua Farmers
Jagan alleged that a series of government decisions have placed an unbearable financial burden on aqua farmers. According to him, the major issues include:
Sharp Increase in Feed Prices
Jagan claimed that shrimp feed prices have been increased by ₹14 to ₹16 per kilogram, significantly raising the cost of cultivation and putting additional pressure on farmers.
Higher Cost of Raw Materials
He said the prices of raw materials have increased by nearly ₹2 per kilogram, further driving up production costs.
Shrimp Purchase Prices Remain Unchanged
Despite the rising input costs, Jagan alleged that the market price offered to farmers for shrimp has not increased, leaving them with heavy financial losses.
Increase in Electricity Charges
He claimed that electricity tariffs for aqua farming have been increased from the ₹1.50 per unit charged during the previous government, adding to farmers’ operating expenses.
Subsidy Cuts Deal Another Blow
Jagan accused the government of withdrawing several benefits and subsidies provided to aqua farmers.
According to his allegations:
- Farmers have lost benefits worth ₹3,306 crore under the input subsidy scheme.
- The government has failed to clear ₹401 crore in pending subsidy dues.
- The proposed shrimp processing unit at Narasapuram has been neglected.
- Construction works of the Bhimavaram Medical College remain incomplete.
Decline in Aqua Export Value
Jagan also alleged that the government’s policies have adversely affected aqua exports.
According to him:
- The value of aqua exports has declined by ₹13,855 crore under the current government.
- Combined exports of fish and shrimp have fallen by nearly ₹20,000 crore.
- Andhra Pradesh has lost the global recognition that the aqua sector had earned during the previous YSRCP government.
“We Will Stand by Aqua Farmers”
Jagan said he is fully aware of the difficulties being faced by aqua farmers and assured them that his party would continue fighting on their behalf until justice is done.
He promised to introduce policies that would revive the aqua sector and restore profitability for farmers.
Political Debate Intensifies
Jagan Mohan Reddy’s remarks have once again triggered a political debate over the condition of Andhra Pradesh’s aqua sector. He accused the government of burdening farmers through higher feed costs, increased electricity charges, subsidy reductions, and declining export performance.
However, the state government is yet to issue an official response to these allegations. The issues surrounding the aqua sector are expected to remain a major topic of political discussion in Andhra Pradesh in the coming days.
