Jagan warns of statewide stir over shrimp feed prices

Vijayawada: Former chief minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday warned the state govt of a statewide agitation by aqua farmers if steps are not taken to reduce rising shrimp feed prices by the end of June.Jagan said he would personally join the farmers’ protest planned for July 1 or 2 if the govt fails to address their concerns.He made the remarks after meeting representatives of the AP Prawn Federation and aqua farmers at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli. Farmers highlighted issues such as steep feed price hikes, falling shrimp prices, rising production costs, poor-quality seed and lack of remunerative returns.Jagan recalled that his govt had provided power at Rs 1.50 per unit and spent Rs 3,306 crore on electricity subsidy over 57 months between 2019 and 2024. He criticised the previous TDP regime for not fulfilling its Rs 2 per unit promise and raised concerns over power factor (PF) norms affecting subsidy access.He claimed vannamei shrimp feed prices have risen by about Rs 10 per kg and tiger shrimp feed by Rs 12 per kg, with an overall increase of nearly Rs 16 per kg between February and June. Meanwhile, shrimp prices have dropped below production costs, pushing farmers into losses.Farmers urged the govt to regulate feed prices, ensure quality seed supply, and review electricity subsidy norms. Jagan said he would escalate the issue through a statewide protest if no action is taken by June-end.