Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Thursday said the State government was giving top priority to resolving issues affecting aquaculture and ensuring its long-term sustainability through transparent policies and strict quality monitoring.

Addressing a videoconference organised by the Fisheries Department, Mr. Atchannaidu said the government had comprehensively heard the concerns and suggestions of aqua farmers, feed manufacturers, exporters and industry representatives on issues such as rising shrimp feed prices, shortage of raw materials, increasing cultivation costs and export-related challenges.

Mr. Atchannaidu observed that the increase in feed prices during the ongoing summer crop season could severely impact farmers, while the feed manufacturing industry was also facing pressure due to escalating raw material costs. He assured stakeholders that the government would take balanced decisions, protecting farmers’ interests while ensuring the survival and growth of the feed industry.

The Minister said the government was focusing on improving feed and seed quality through stricter monitoring systems. He announced that technology-driven measures such as CCTV-based hatchery surveillance, seed traceability and IoT-based monitoring systems would be further strengthened to ensure quality standards in the sector.

He also stated that the State government would submit a detailed report to the Centre on issues such as GM soy imports, fish meal availability, import licences and export competitiveness.

Mr. Atchannaidu called upon all stakeholders to work together for the welfare of aqua farmers, stability of the feed industry and growth of exports.