Andhra Pradesh aqua farmers oppose steep hike in shrimp feed prices

The Andhra Pradesh Tenant Farmers Association has strongly opposed the latest hike in shrimp feed prices, alleging that feed manufacturers increased prices without consulting aqua farmers or other stakeholders.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, association State president B. Balaram and secretary M. Haribabu demanded immediate withdrawal of the revised prices, stating that this was the second increase within a year. They pointed out that feed companies had already raised prices by ₹4 per kg in February and have now announced another steep hike, triggering concern among aqua farmers already reeling under heavy losses.

According to them, feed prices for tiger shrimp have been increased by ₹10 per kg, while vannamei shrimp feed prices have gone up by ₹8 per kg. Consequently, the price of a 25-kg bag of tiger shrimp feed has increased by ₹250 and that of vannamei feed by ₹200, adding to the financial burden on farmers.

The leaders said aqua farmers were already grappling with multiple challenges, including shrimp diseases, rising pond lease costs and uncertainty in export markets following tariff-related developments in the United States after President Donald Trump returned to office.

They said the issue had been brought to the notice of the State Fisheries Department last month and alleged that companies went ahead with the hike despite suggestions to hold consultations with farmer associations and government agencies. The association urged the State government to intervene immediately, warning that unchecked price hikes could push the aqua sector into a deeper crisis and adversely affect exports and livelihoods dependent on the industry.