Shrimp feed price hike put on hold after AP govt steps in

Vijayawada: A proposed hike in shrimp feed prices has been temporarily halted following growing concerns from aqua farmers across Andhra Pradesh over the rising cost burden on the aquaculture sector.

During the meeting, the minister objected to the unilateral price hike and said decisions affecting thousands of aqua farmers should not be taken without consultations. He warned feed companies against treating farmers’ hardships as a business opportunity and stressed that the government would not accept arbitrary price increases that add financial pressure on the sector.

Following the discussions, representatives of the Shrimp Feed Manufacturers Association informed the government in writing that the implementation of the proposed feed price hike was being suspended with immediate effect. The association, however, stated that increasing raw material costs had forced companies to consider revising prices.

To find a long-term solution, the government has scheduled a joint meeting on May 15 involving farmers, feed manufacturers, scientists and officials. Representatives from fisheries research institutions, including CIBA, CIFA and fisheries universities, also participated in the discussions.

Officials said the upcoming meeting would focus on finding a balanced solution that protects farmers from additional financial stress while ensuring the sustainability of the aquaculture industry in the State.