Workers pack prawns for export after harvest in a pond near Kalla village in West Godavari district. | Photo credit: GN Rao
Rumors of suspension of international shipping services from major ports have created panic in sales among aquaculture farmers in Andhra Pradesh.
India exports seafood products to about 128 countries, including USA, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Middle East, Canada, Italy, Russia, European Union and Southeast Asian countries.
Prawns and fish are grown on about four acres of land in the districts of East Godavari, Eluru, West Godavari, Dr. BR Ambedkar Konaseema, Krishna, Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Prakasam and Guntur, besides other coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh.
According to officials, the Seafood Export Development Authority shipped 17,81,602 metric tons of seafood products during 2023. Andhra Pradesh accounted for about 30-35% of exports worth nearly ₹21,000 crore.
India exports marine products through ports like Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Krishnapatnam, Pipavav, Kakinada, Thoothukudi, Mumbai and Goa.
However, continued Israel. The Iran war and its ripple effect in some Gulf countries have reportedly disrupted supplies at several ports, causing panic among aquaculture traders and farmers in the state.
Farmers have reportedly started harvesting shrimp early in recent days and selling them at lower prices in the domestic market.
“I sold 60 prawns at ₹ 220 per kg, which usually costs around ₹ 300. With huge quantities coming into the market and farmers rushing to harvest, prices are falling,” said farmer S. Ramakrishna.
“Even Vannamei prawns of 30-40 pieces, which are usually in good demand in the international market, are now being sold at around ₹250-280 per kg,” said Shyamala Devi, who visited a fish market in Vijayawada.
Fisheries Commissioner Ramashankar Naik told The Hindu on Sunday that the ongoing conflict has little impact on marine exports from Andhra Pradesh.
“We had a meeting with seafood exporters a few days ago and they said the impact of the war on shipments is minimal,” said Mr Ramashankar Naik.
He added that a meeting will be held on Monday with representatives of AP Prawn Farmers’ Welfare Association, Prawn Farmers Association and traders to discuss the issue.
Andhra Pradesh Aquaculture Development Authority Vice Chairman Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy said farmers need not panic over the ongoing conflict.
“We export seafood mainly to the US, China, Japan, European Union, Vietnam and Thailand, where there is no war impact. I appeal to farmers not to resort to panic selling,” said Venkata Ramana Reddy. He also urged social media users not to spread false information that could cause unnecessary panic among farmers.
Published – March 8, 2026 9:37 PM IST
