Vijayawada(NTR District): Aquaculture has emerged as the new frontier in agricultural pursuits within Krishna district, marking a significant departure from traditional crop cultivation practices. Over the past 15 years, the cultivation of various aquatic species including inland fish, prawns, brackish water shrimp, marine fish, and marine shrimp has witnessed an unprecedented surge, presenting a lucrative alternative for farmers amidst challenges in traditional agriculture.
With the specter of heavy losses looming over general agriculture, particularly in paddy and other conventional crops, farmers in Krishna district are increasingly turning towards aquaculture. While initial investments in shrimp and fish cultivation may seem daunting, the potential for substantial returns has drawn the attention of a large number of farmers. In many instances, successful aquaculture ventures have yielded returns five to ten times greater than the initial investment, incentivizing more farmers to venture into this burgeoning sector.
The extent of aquaculture in Krishna district has now surpassed 88,000 acres, spanning across nearly 20 mandals, with approximately 23,801 farmers actively engaged in this transformative agricultural practice. Following the district’s bifurcation, which resulted in 25 mandals, aquaculture has emerged as a key driver of economic activity and livelihood generation.
However, alongside the promising economic prospects, aquaculture also brings with it environmental concerns, particularly regarding groundwater pollution and potential impacts on public health. Despite these challenges, farmers are embracing three primary types of aquaculture: freshwater aqua farming (inland fish and prawns), brackish water shrimp cultivation, and marine fish and shrimp farming.
In Machilipatnam division, encompassing 11 mandals, inland, brackish, and marine aquaculture are flourishing across an extensive area of 51,440 acres. Notable mandals involved in these activities include Machilipatnam, Bantumilli, Nagayalanka, Kruthivennu, Koduru, Pedana, Guduru, Mopidevi, Challapalli, Avanigadda, and Ghantasala. The cultivation of L. Vannamei shrimp and other sea-based fishes has become a staple among the 11,838 farmers in this division.
Similarly, in Gudivada division, comprising mandals such as Nandivada, Gudivada, Gudlavalleru, Bapulapadu, and Unguturu, inland water aquaculture is thriving, with over 11,940 farmers cultivating Pangasius, Carp, and Rupchand fishes across 37,110 acres. Additionally, 23 farmers in Vuyyuru division are engaged in inland water aquaculture, cultivating Pangasius, Carp, and Rupchand fishes across 238 acres.
Fortified by the concerted efforts of farmers and supportive government policies, Krishna district has witnessed a remarkable surge in aquaculture production. This year alone, farmers have produced a staggering 13,61,943 metric tons of aqua products, including inland fish, inland prawn, brackish water shrimp, marine fish, and marine shrimp.
To further encourage aquaculture, district authorities and the fisheries department have streamlined the approval process for farmers, facilitating easy access to permissions and necessary resources. Government initiatives, including subsidy schemes, the establishment of fisheries societies, and fisheries hubs, have played a pivotal role in incentivizing aquaculture and supporting the transition of farmers towards this burgeoning sector.
The rise of aquaculture in Krishna district signals a paradigm shift in agricultural practices, offering a sustainable and lucrative alternative to traditional crop cultivation. With supportive policies and concerted efforts, aquaculture has the potential to revolutionize the farming landscape, driving economic growth and livelihood enhancement in coastal regions.
