Andhra Pradesh Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu has expressed strong displeasure over the unilateral hike in shrimp feed prices by feed manufacturing companies, stating that the move would severely affect aqua farmers across the State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Minister said the government had received information that feed companies had increased the price of Vannamei shrimp feed by ₹8 per kg and Tiger shrimp feed by ₹10 per kg, citing a rise in the cost of raw materials used in feed production.

He pointed out that under the APSADA Act (Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Authority Act), any decision on revision of feed prices should be taken only after consultations with farmers’ associations. However, the feed manufacturing companies allegedly failed to follow the mandated procedure, which he termed a matter of serious concern.

Mr. Atchannaidu said notices had been issued to the feed companies directing them to immediately withdraw the price hike. He reiterated that the government was committed to safeguarding the interests of aqua farmers.

He noted that aqua farmers were already struggling with rising cultivation costs and that the latest increase would impose an additional financial burden on them. The hike in feed prices, which would further burden shrimp farmers, was unjustified, he said.

The Minister further stated that a meeting with representatives of farmers’ associations and feed manufacturing companies would be held on Wednesday morning to ensure justice for farmers and arrive at an amicable resolution.