Shrimp farmers demand rollback of feed costs

Prakasam District Shrimp Farmers Association president Duggineni Gopinath on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) demanded that the shrimp feed manufacturing companies put on hold the price hikes they have recently implemented until the State government-appointed committee submits its report on aqua feed prices. He urged the government to intervene and roll back the price increases to relieve the financial burden on the farmers

The 15-member A.P. Shrimp Feed Ingredients Price Monitoring Committee has been constituted with representatives from State Institute of Fisheries Technology (SIFT), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), A.P. State Aquaculture Development Authority (APSADA), and Aqua Farmers Associations.

As per the G.O. issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries on Monday (June 15), the committee will analyse the data relating to aquaculture feed ingredients prices prevailing in the national level, monitor fish meal and soya bean prices at global level and assess the shrimp feed ingredients prices from different websites and supply agencies with invoices.

The committee will also examine the factors contributing to variation in feed rates, including raw material prices, production costs and market conditions. After consulting with technical experts and research institutions, it will recommend reasonable and transparent shrimp feed rate assessment mechanisms to protect the interests of the aqua farmers.

Mr. Gopinath said, “Merely establishing committees to monitor feed prices—without actually reducing the recently hiked rates—will not alleviate the financial burden on farmers. Moreover, the cost of aqua feed will continue to weigh heavily on them. The government should take action against the feed companies that have violated regulations and failed to roll back the price hikes.”

He further said, “The shrimp feed companies have hiked the price of Vannamei feed by ₹10 per kg and Tiger shrimp feed by ₹12 per kg—without the approval of the APSADA or the State government, and disregarding farmers’ objections. This is not only a matter affecting the livelihoods of 20 lakh people, but also a blow to significant foreign exchange earnings and the State’s growth.”

Speaking to The Hindu, A.P. Fisheries Commissioner Rama Shankar Naik said, “Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has conducted a meeting with all stakeholders this month. During the discussions, the feed makers have urged the Minister that it was not feasible for them to bring down the prices of Vannamei and Tiger shrimp feed.”