The Jai Bharat Ksheera Rama Aqua Farmers’ Association successfully hosted the State Aqua Farmers’ Grand Conference on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at SSS Kalyana Mandapam, Poolapalli – Agarru Road. This significant gathering addressed critical issues facing the aqua farming community and charted a path forward for sustainable and profitable aqua farming. Aqua farming, a significant contributor to the state’s economy, has been facing numerous challenges in recent years, affecting the livelihood of many dedicated farmers. This conference provided an essential platform for discussing these issues and finding collective solutions.
The conference delved into various pressing matters such as the financial losses incurred over the past five years, the manipulation of shrimp prices by processing companies, and the unchecked rise in feed prices despite decreasing raw material costs. Additionally, it addressed the quality standards of seed production, the roles of commission agents and shed owners, and considered the implementation of a “Craft Holiday” to alleviate ongoing hardships. The meeting also evaluated the new government’s promises, strategized on ensuring direct receipt of subsidies from NFDP and government bodies, and discussed the activities of national and state-level associations. A key highlight was the election of a new committee for the Andhra Pradesh State Aqua Farmers’ Association.
Aqua farmers actively participated in the conference, sharing their insights and experiences, which were invaluable in shaping the future of the industry. Their presence and contributions helped build a unified voice to advocate for the needs and rights of aqua farmers across the state. Distinguished guests who attended the conference included leading experts from the aqua farming industry, government officials, and representatives from various farmers’ associations. Notably, Gottumukkala Gandhi Bhagavan Raju, President of the association, and Bonam Venkata Narasayya (Chinnababu), Secretary of the association, were present and contributed significantly to the discussions, providing their invaluable insights and efforts towards the success of this meeting.
During the conference, President Gottumukkala Gandhi Bhagavan Raju emphasized the need to establish feed, seed, and processing companies under the farmers’ association with the support of a 90% government subsidy. He assured the farmers that any issues they face would be addressed promptly and personally. He announced plans to meet soon with ministers including Nimmala Rama Naidu, Agriculture Minister Achen Naidu, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan to discuss and resolve the issues affecting aqua farmers. Bhimavaram farmer Subbaraju highlighted the need to reduce losses by improving counting practices, while Bonam Venkata Narasayya urged farmers to follow association guidelines to overcome difficulties.
Andhra Pradesh state Aqua Farmers Unite to Navigate Challenges and Foster Sustainable Growth
Other notable speakers, including Veeravasaram Tulasi Rao, Karneni Gauri Naidu, and Veeravalli Chandrasekhar, discussed the benefits of establishing seed, feed, and processing plants in different constituencies to foster competition and ensure fair prices for shrimp. Amalapuram farmer Nagabhushanam expressed confidence in Gandhi Bhagavan Raju’s leadership in resolving farmers’ problems, while Raghurama Raju stressed the responsibility of every farmer to protect the aquaculture sector. Speakers Sattibabu and Yuvaraju encouraged support for all association initiatives.
At the conclusion of the conference, Gandhi Bhagavan Raju proposed a 45-day deadline for resolving farmers’ issues, failing which a “Craft Holiday” would be declared, a move that received strong support from the farmers. He also advocated for local marketing of shrimp to highlight its benefits and affordability compared to chicken and mutton, suggesting that farmers themselves open retail shops to sell shrimp directly to the public.
The conference was attended by hundreds of aqua farmers from across the state, with notable attendees including Rudraraju Satyanarayana Raju, Kodi Vijay Bhaskar Rao, John David Raju, Angara Varaprasad, Ramesh Raju, Sajja Bujji, Bonam Rangayya Naidu, Chanti Raju, and Meka Pani Indrudu. The gathering was marked by robust discussions and a collective resolve to address the challenges and opportunities in the aquaculture sector.
