The Prakasam Shrimp Farmers’ Association has raised an alarm over the severe challenges faced by shrimp farmers in the region, attributing their plight to the escalating costs of feed and the perceived unaffordability of power tariffs. Association General Secretary D. Gopinath highlighted the urgency of proactive measures from both the Union and State governments to create a favourable environment for shrimp farmers.
Despite a partial recovery in shrimp prices from below ₹200 per kg to ₹260 per kg, farmers find themselves unable to break even due to the persistently high costs of feed and electricity, totalling an additional ₹70 per kg. The intense competition from global counterparts, particularly from countries like Ecuador, exacerbates the struggles faced by Andhra Pradesh shrimp farmers, according to Mr. Gopinath.
The feed cost remains stubbornly high at ₹86 per kg, even with a decline in input prices such as soybean and imported minerals, as noted by Gopinath. Seeking relief, Association President S. Anji Reddy urged the government to provide electricity to shrimp farmers at a subsidized rate of ₹1.50 per unit, irrespective of the unit’s size.
Many shrimp farmers in Prakasam have not benefited from the reduced power tariff, paying ₹4 per unit, particularly those engaged in aquaculture on degraded ‘DKT’ wasteland. Faced with losses exceeding ₹1 lakh per acre in the previous season, farmers are contemplating a crop holiday this season. Consequently, numerous hatcheries in the district have closed, prompting calls for a simplified clearance system from the Central government for struggling hatcheries.
Addressing the broader implications, Prakasam District Hatcheries Association President A.V. Satyanarayana Raju stressed the need for amendments to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act to encourage responsible aquaculture in coastal areas while preserving the environment. Failure to take corrective measures could result in a drastic 50% reduction in shrimp production, currently valued at ₹50,000 crore, adversely affecting the livelihoods of stakeholders in the coastal region, warned Association Joint Secretary Subbaji Chowdary.