PROBLEMS FACED BY AQUA FARMERS

Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying PROBLEMS FACED BY AQUA FARMERS प्रव तथ: 12 AUG 2026 1:34PM by PIB Delhi The Government of Andhra Pradesh has informed that as per data recorded on the e-Fish platform and as per the database maintained by the State Government, approximately 2.16 lakh aquaculture farmers are engaged in aquaculture activities in the State, covering about 5.79 lakh acres under freshwater and brackish water aquaculture.

As reported by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, aqua farmers in the State are facing difficulties due to the decline in market prices and increase in the cost of fish feed. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has taken various measures to address the issue, including initiatives to reduce feed cost. In this regard, feed manufacturers have agreed to reduce the price of shrimp feed by Rs.4.00 per kilogram.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has informed that the State Fisheries Department is actively coordinating with aqua farmers’ associations, value-added enterprises, exporters and other stakeholders to address the issues faced by fish and shrimp farmers. It has also been informed by the State Government that no State-wide crop holiday has been officially implemented.

The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, in coordination with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, is taking various measures to safeguard the interests of aqua farmers in the State. As informed by the State Government, registered aqua farmers are being provided electricity at a subsidised tariff of ₹1.50 per unit. Further, through consultations with feed manufacturers, the price of shrimp feed in the State has been reduced by ₹4.00 per kilogram. Recognising the importance of improving the economic viability of shrimp farming, the Government of India has undertaken several policy measures to reduce the cost of aquaculture production. In the Union Budgets 2024–25 and 2025–26, customs duties on 16 key aquaculture inputs were rationalised, with rates reduced from 30% to as low as 0–5%, thereby lowering the cost of essential inputs. Further, in September 2025, the Government of India approved the reduction of GST rates from 12–18% to 5% on more than 20 fisheries and aquaculture-related products, including farm equipment, feed ingredients, water conditioners, fishing nets and value-added seafood products.

These measures are expected to reduce production costs, improve the profitability of farmers across various States, including Andhra Pradesh, and enhance the competitiveness of India’s aquaculture sector.

In addition, the Government of India and the State Government are promoting value-added enterprises to minimise post-harvest losses and augment the income of fish farmers.

This Information was given by Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in the Rajya Sabha in response to a question asked.

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