■ Minister for Fisheries K Atchannaidu suggested aqua farmers in the state to explore new markets such as South Korea, Europe, UK, Middle East, Russia and Africa in the wake of 50% tariffs being imposed by US.

■ Minister also called for taking advantage of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with UK to increase aqua exports from the state.

■ It was decided to set up the Andhra Pradesh Prawn Producers Coordination Committee on the lines of National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) to boost consumption.

■ Farmers can now easily register their aqua ponds online under the APSADA Act 

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Minister for Agriculture, Marketing, Cooperation, Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Wednesday suggested aqua farmers in the state to explore new markets such as South Korea, Europe, UK, Middle East, Russia and Africa in collaboration with MPEDA in the wake of 50% tariffs being imposed by the US on Indian shrimp exports from August 27th. A meeting of the Executive Committee of the State Aquaculture Development Agency (APSADA) was held at the secretariat. The fisheries wealth of the state, quality of production and export opportunities were discussed comprehensively.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Atchannaidu called for taking advantage of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK to increase aqua exports from the state. He stated that the state's aquaculture sector will be developed with international standards and assured that Andhra Pradesh's status in the international aqua market will be further strengthened by increasing production through the use of modern technology, eco-friendly and scientific methods.

The committee approved mariculture (cultivation, management, and harvesting of marine organisms in their natural environment or in enclosures) and reservoir cage culture policies in the state. Farmers can now easily register their aqua ponds online under the APSADA Act, Minister Atchannaidu said and added that the process of obtaining a license will be further expedited.  He further said that farmers engaged in fish farming on D-Patta, Assigned and CJFS lands will be given agriculture certificate as per the APSADA Act.

The Minister also asked aqua farmers not to use poultry waste as fish feed and warned of cancelling their license if found doing so. Also, it was decided to set up the Andhra Pradesh Prawn Producers Coordination Committee on the lines of National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) to boost consumption. This includes FFPO's and other traders in the aquaculture sector as members.