Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Andhra Prawn Farmers Seek Lower Feed Prices, Power Subsidies
Prawn farmers in Andhra Pradesh say their business is becoming difficult.
They say the food used to raise prawns has become more expensive.
At the same time, the prices they receive for prawns have fallen.
The farmers say this is causing large losses for many families.
They asked the government to make feed cheaper and electricity more affordable.
They also want companies to stop changing feed prices every 45 days.
During the petition submission, farmers said the Fisheries Commissioner made an insulting comment.
The farmers protested and demanded action on their concerns.
The Andhra Pradesh Prawn Farmers’ Association petitioned the State Fisheries Commissioner over feed prices, market rates, and power supply.
Farmers said rising feed costs and falling prawn prices are causing heavy losses and financial distress.
Tiger prawn prices reportedly fell from Rs 150 per kg for 30-count to Rs 100 per kg for 20-count.
The association demanded lower feed prices, an end to the 45-day price review policy, and subsidised electricity at Rs 1.50 per unit.
Farmers protested after alleging that Fisheries Commissioner Rama Shankar Naik made insulting remarks during the petition submission.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh Prawn Farmers’ Association and prawn farmers from several districts, including Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, and West Godavari.
- What
- Farmers petitioned for lower feed prices, fairer prawn market rates, and subsidised electricity, then protested over alleged insulting remarks by the Fisheries Commissioner.
- When
- On Monday; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- Farmers said rising feed costs, falling prawn prices, and power-related issues were causing financial losses and distress.
Farmers’ demands
Commissioner’s position
Feed pricing
Farmers’ demands
Farmers want feed companies to reduce prices immediately and want the 45-day feed price review policy scrapped.
Commissioner’s position
The article does not provide a response from Fisheries Commissioner Rama Shankar Naik or feed companies on the pricing demands.
Conduct during petition
Farmers’ demands
Farmers alleged that Rama Shankar Naik insulted them by questioning whether they were real farmers, and they protested against him.
Commissioner’s position
The article reports the farmers’ allegation but does not include the Commissioner’s account or a response to it.
- Feed price
- Tiger prawn feed was reported at Rs 26 per kg and vannamei feed at Rs 21 per kg.
- Requested electricity rate
- Farmers demanded subsidised electricity at Rs 1.50 per unit.
- Tiger prawn price change
- Prices reportedly fell from Rs 150 per kg for 30-count to Rs 100 per kg for 20-count.
- Policy demand
- Farmers demanded that the 45-day feed price review policy be scrapped.
- Livelihood impact
- The association said thousands of families in Andhra Pradesh depend on prawn farming.
- Petition recipient
- The petition was submitted to the State Fisheries Commissioner.
- Association convenor
- Duggineni Gopinath led the delegation.