Andhra Pradesh Cuts Aqua Feed Prices by ₹4 per Kg for Farmers

Relief to Aqua Farmers as Feed Prices Reduced Following CM’s Intervention

The Andhra Pradesh government has taken decisive action to address the concerns of aqua farmers over escalating feed prices. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu successfully brokered an agreement with feed manufacturers to reduce the price of aqua feed by ₹4 per kilogram.

Following discussions at the State Secretariat involving senior officials, farmers, and feed manufacturers, the Chief Minister announced that the maximum retail price (MRP) of aqua feed would be lowered from ₹112 per kg to ₹108 per kg. This reduction aims to provide immediate relief to fish and shrimp farmers, who have been struggling with increasing input costs.

To ensure sustainable pricing in the future, Mr. Naidu directed the formation of a committee comprising farmers, feed manufacturers, and government officials. The committee has been tasked with submitting a report within 20 days, after which the government will finalize a comprehensive pricing mechanism. The panel will also review feed processing practices and pollution-control measures.

Farmers expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for his intervention and for continuing the power subsidy of ₹1.50 per unit for aquaculture operations. They highlighted that feed prices had surged six times during the previous government’s tenure, rising from ₹87.80 per kg in 2019 to ₹107.80 per kg, with little action taken to address their grievances.

The farmers also raised other challenges facing the aquaculture sector, including stagnant fish and shrimp prices, processing difficulties, insurance coverage for shrimp ponds, and support for nursery ponds. Responding to their concerns, Mr. Naidu assured them that adequate water resources would be made available to support their operations.

Feed manufacturers attributed the recent price hikes to shortages of key raw materials such as soybean and fish meal, as well as rising production costs. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the aquaculture sector, Mr. Naidu noted that ₹1,543 crore had been allocated as a power subsidy over the past two years.

(Published: June 18, 2026, 08:07 PM IST)