Andhra Pradesh Prioritizes Aqua Farmers’ Welfare Amid Rising Shrimp Feed Costs
The Andhra Pradesh government has declared aqua farmer welfare a top priority. Amid rising raw material costs for shrimp feed, the state is establishing a price monitoring committee and seeking federal policy relaxations on soybean imports to protect producers and ensure sector sustainability.
Highlights
- •The Andhra Pradesh government has prioritized the welfare and sustainable growth of the aquaculture sector.
- •Officials are working to ensure transparent shrimp feed pricing amidst sharp increases in raw material costs.
- •Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has sought policy relaxations on soybean imports to support feed production.
- •A new monitoring committee has been formed to track feed ingredient prices and ensure market transparency.
The Andhra Pradesh government has officially reaffirmed that the welfare of aqua farmers remains a primary focus of its current administration. According to Fisheries Commissioner Ramashankar Naik, the state is implementing robust strategies to safeguard the interests of those involved in the aquaculture sector, particularly regarding the transparent pricing of essential shrimp feed.
Stakeholders and farmers have been strongly advised to rely solely on official communications and avoid being swayed by unverified reports concerning market fluctuations. The global aquaculture industry is currently facing significant economic headwinds, which have impacted local production costs. Prices for critical ingredients such as fish meal, soybean products, wheat, and vital minerals have experienced sharp increases, with some items rising by more than 25 percent over the last six months alone.
Addressing Global Supply Challenges for Aqua Farmers
The escalation in production costs is largely attributed to supply chain disruptions, including limitations on fish meal production and exports originating from Peru and Chile. Furthermore, heightened demand from international markets such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia has further tightened supplies and driven up domestic prices for aqua farmers.
In response to these challenges, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu formally requested policy relaxations from the Union Commerce and Industry ministry on May 13, 2026. This initiative aims to facilitate easier imports of soybean, a crucial component for manufacturing shrimp feed. This pressing concern was also a central topic at a national aquaculture workshop held recently in Visakhapatnam.
To ensure long-term stability, the state has actively engaged with feed manufacturers, farmer associations, and industry bodies like MPEDA and CIBA. A specialized AP Shrimp Feed Ingredients Price Monitoring Committee has been established to maintain oversight of raw material costs and to develop a mechanism that ensures pricing transparency across the industry.
Beyond market regulation, the government continues to support the community through various incentive programs. These include providing subsidized electricity at ₹1.50 per unit, promoting the availability of high-quality seed and feed, and investing in disease surveillance and biosecurity protocols. Through these scientific approaches to aquaculture, the state aims to boost overall productivity and improve the long-term income potential for aqua farmers throughout the region.
