2 hrs ago
Andhra Aqua Farmers Threaten Crop Holiday Over Rising Costs
Aqua farmers in Andhra Pradesh say it is becoming too expensive to raise shrimp.
They say feed companies keep increasing prices.
They also say shrimp prices are falling and some seeds supplied to farms are poor quality.
Farmers from many districts met in Amalapuram to discuss their problems.
Their organization warned that it will stop buying feed and medicines from companies on October 1 unless prices are reduced by September 30.
The farmers want the government to provide more help and control prices.
They also want training in aquaculture methods used in Vietnam.
If their problems continue, they are preparing for a farming break called a crop holiday in March 2027.
The Andhra Pradesh Aqua Rythu Sangham will stop buying medicines and feed from companies on October 1 unless prices fall by September 30.
Farmers from Srikakulam to Nellore met in Amalapuram to protest high feed costs, falling shrimp prices and limited government support.
The Sangham said feed prices have added about ₹1.30 lakh per acre to farmers’ costs.
Farmers blamed inferior shrimp seeds, reduced market prices and alleged exploitation by feed companies and processing units for severe losses.
The group urged the government to adopt Vietnam aquaculture techniques and called for a crop holiday beginning in March 2027.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh Aqua Rythu Sangham and aqua farmers from districts including Srikakulam, Nellore, Konaseema and others.
- What
- Farmers threatened to stop purchasing feed and medicines from aqua companies and prepare for a crop holiday.
- Where
- A state-level meeting and procession were held in Amalapuram, in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, Andhra Pradesh.
- When
- The proposed purchasing boycott begins October 1 if prices are not reduced by September 30; the crop holiday was proposed for March 2027.
- Why
- Farmers cited rising feed costs, falling shrimp prices, inferior seeds, financial losses, limited subsidies and insufficient government action.
Key facts
- Organization
- Andhra Pradesh Aqua Rythu Sangham
- Boycott deadline
- Farmers will stop purchasing medicines and feed from aqua companies on October 1 unless prices fall by September 30.
- Proposed crop holiday
- March 2027
- Reported cost burden
- Feed costs have added about ₹1.30 lakh per acre, according to the Sangham general secretary.
- Meeting location
- Amalapuram, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district
- Farmers’ demands
- Lower feed costs, price standardization, processing-unit variation payments of up to 10 percent, subsidies and aquaculture training.
- Participants
- Aqua farmers from Srikakulam to Nellore attended the state-level Maha Sabha.
Quotes
Gottumukkala Gandhi Bhagawan Raju
State president of the Andhra Pradesh Aqua Rythu Sangham
“Due to the increasing feed cost, there has been a burden of `1.30 lakh per acre on the aqua farmers. At present, the aqua sector is on ventilator.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Aqua farmers are agitating for their demands, but neither the feed companies nor the government responded properly.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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