With the shrimp prices falling in the market due to the impact of US-Israel-Iran war, which is causing huge losses for the aqua farmers, the latter are selling their produce in local shandies at lower prices.

Many aqua farmers and fishermen were seen selling shrimp and fish on the roadsides to prevent losses. A couple, Kumba Venkatesh and his wife, Kondalamma, were seen selling 10-count prawns (10 prawns per kg) on Vijayawada outskirts on Saturday. “We sold the large-sized shrimp at ₹400 per kg. In fact, 20-30 count prawns are being sold at ₹450 to ₹500 in the market. As exports have dropped, the prices of fish and shrimp have decreased in the domestic market,” Ms. Kondalamma told The Hindu.

According to shrimp farmers, good quality shrimp of a large size (10-20 count) and crab raised in Andhra Pradesh are in high demand in Vietnam, Thailand, China, and other markets.

Meanwhile, many farmers were seen selling their produce on the roadsides, particularly during the weekends, at Eluru, Gudivada, Kaikaluru, Machilipatnam, Avanigadda and other places to overcome the losses. “Catla (Bocha in Telugu) Common Carp (Bangaru Teega), Rohu (Seelavathi), Grass Carp (Gaddi Chepa) and other varieties are being sold at ₹200 to ₹300 per kg,” said a fish vendor Lakshman.

Shipments to the Middle East and other countries were disrupted as the crude oil prices rose globally, increasing freight expenses, which directly impacted seafood exports for the last few months.

Shrimp and fish farmers are the worst-affected in A.P., which contributes about 35% of the total marine exports from the country. Besides, some lakhs of stakeholders in aquaculture have reportedly suffered losses in the State.