The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday stepped in to resolve the recent dispute over rising aqua feed prices, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu securing an agreement between aqua farmers and feed manufacturers to reduce the price of feed by ₹4 per kilogram.

Following a meeting with senior officials, farmers and representatives of feed manufacturing companies at the State Secretariat, the Chief Minister announced that the maximum retail price (MRP) of aqua feed would be reduced from ₹112 per kg to ₹108 per kg. The decision is expected to provide immediate relief to fish and shrimp farmers who have been grappling with rising input costs.

To ensure long-term stability in feed pricing, Mr. Naidu directed the formation of a committee comprising farmers, feed manufacturers and government officials. The panel has been asked to submit its report within 20 days, after which the government will take a final decision on a comprehensive pricing mechanism. The committee will also examine feed processing practices and pollution-control measures.

Farmers thanked the Chief Minister for intervening in the issue and for continuing the power subsidy of ₹1.50 per unit for aquaculture operations. They said feed prices had increased six times during the previous government’s tenure, rising from ₹87.80 per kg in 2019 to ₹107.80 per kg, while little was done to address their concerns.

Water supply to be improved

The farmers also highlighted several challenges facing the sector, including rising input costs, stagnant fish and shrimp prices, difficulties in processing, insurance coverage for shrimp ponds and support for nursery ponds. Responding to requests for improved water supply, Mr. Naidu assured them that adequate water resources would be made available.

Feed manufacturers attributed the price hike to shortages of soyabean and fish meal and rising raw material costs. Mr. Naidu said the government remained committed to protecting the aquaculture sector, noting that ₹1,543 crore had been provided as power subsidy over the past two years.