Farmer leaders and tenant farmers’ associations have criticised the increase in the prices of fuel, fertiliser and aquaculture feed, alleging that both the Centre and the State governments were neglecting the interests of farmers.

Addressing the media on Tuesday (May 26, 2026), Koulu Rythu Sangham State general secretary Haribabu described the hike in fuel prices as ‘unjustified’, alleging that the cancellation of the oil pool account mechanism had led to the increase in fuel costs. He demanded that the government supply fuel at affordable prices.

Mr. Haribabu expressed concern over the proposed introduction of urea cards. He said the Centre had announced a subsidy of ₹800 per urea bag. “Only the farmers registered under the e-crop system will receive urea cards. It will deprive tenant farmers of access to fertiliser,” he said, and demanded that urea cards be issued to tenant farmers as well.

“Fertiliser prices have risen sharply while the minimum support prices for crops have not been increased correspondingly. The lack of remunerative prices for crops is pushing farmers into distress and contributing to a rise in suicides,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of aquaculture farmers, Koulu Rythu Sangham president B. Balaram demanded an immediate rollback of the increased prices of aquaculture feed and related inputs. He said farmers had been requesting a reduction in existing prices, but companies imposed further hikes.

He said the count price per kilogram had been reduced, affecting aqua farmers’ incomes. He demanded a reduction in feed and electricity charges, and called for the establishment of cold storage facilities for aquaculture produce.

Tenant farmers’ association State assistant secretary Ranga Rao said natural farming practices had reduced yields in some areas, and criticised the supply of what he termed inadequate quality seeds under subsidy schemes.

He further alleged that gas prices had increased steeply despite gas production from the KG Basin, and demanded that Andhra Pradesh receive a 40% share of the gas produced there. Referring to reports of gas reserves in Kaza village, he said farmers in the area were opposing exploration activities.

Mr. Ranga Rao said agricultural land around Vijayawada was rapidly shrinking because of real estate expansion. He warned that gas extraction projects undertaken against farmers’ wishes would face strong resistance.