Aquaculture farmers stage a protest outside the Ongole fisheries office on Tuesday. | Photo credit: Kommuri Srinivas
The Andhra Pradesh Tenant Farmers Association has strongly opposed the latest increase in shrimp feed prices, alleging that the feed manufacturers have increased the prices without consulting aqua farms or other stakeholders.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, association president B. Balaram and secretary M. Haribabu demanded immediate withdrawal of the revised prices, saying it was the second hike in a year. They pointed out that feed companies had already hiked prices by ₹4 per kg in February and have now announced another sharp hike, raising concerns among aquatic farmers who are already reeling from heavy losses.
According to them, tiger prawn feed prices have increased by ₹10 per kg while vannamei prawn feed prices have increased by ₹8 per kg. As a result, the price of a 25kg bag of tiger prawn feed has increased by ₹250 and vannamei feed by ₹200, increasing the financial burden on farmers.
Leaders said farmers are already facing a number of challenges, including shrimp diseases, rising pond rental costs and uncertainty in export markets following the development of tariffs in the United States following President Donald Trump’s return to office.
They said the issue was brought to the attention of the state fisheries department last month and alleged that the companies continued with the increase despite suggestions for consultation with farmers’ associations and government agencies. Urging the state government to intervene immediately, the association warned that unchecked price hikes could push the water park into deeper crisis and adversely affect exports and livelihoods dependent on the industry.
Published – 12 May 2026 18:26 IST
