‘TDP favouring aqua feed syndicate over farmers’

Metro India News | bhimavaram

YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday alleged that the TDP-led coalition government was colluding with a syndicate of aquaculture feed companies, leaving shrimp farmers in financial distress.

Addressing a public meeting in Bhimavaram after interacting with aqua farmers, Jagan claimed that while the production cost of shrimp was around Rs 275 per kg, farmers were receiving only Rs 230 per kg. He alleged that companies supplying shrimp seed, feed and purchasing the produce had formed a syndicate that manipulated prices at the expense of farmers and accused the coalition government of supporting them.

He claimed feed prices had increased by Rs 16 in the past four months and criticised the government for offering only marginal relief. Alleging that the aquaculture sector was suffering due to "anti-farmer policies," Jagan said the YSRCP would continue to fight for farmers' interests and launch agitations if necessary.

The former Chief Minister said the previous YSRCP government had enacted the Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Authority Act to regulate the sector, ensure fair pricing and provide power to aqua farmers at Rs 1.50 per unit. He claimed his government had paid ₹3,306 crore in power subsidies over five years and cleared Rs 401 crore in pending dues.

Jagan also alleged that the coalition government had neglected the fisheries sector by closing the Fisheries University at Narasapuram, delaying new power connections and increasing the burden on farmers. He promised to dismantle the alleged syndicate if the YSRCP returned to power.