Bhimavaram, July 15: The Andhra Pradesh Aquaculture Sector came under sharp political focus on Wednesday after YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the coalition government of pushing the industry into a deep crisis. Addressing a massive gathering of aqua farmers in Bhimavaram, Jagan alleged that the present administration’s policies have severely impacted farmers, disrupted production, and weakened the state’s globally recognised aquaculture industry.
Thanking the large turnout, Jagan said the overwhelming participation reflected the growing frustration among aqua farmers across Andhra Pradesh. He claimed the sector supports more than 1.5 lakh farmers, spans over five lakh acres, and provides direct and indirect employment to nearly 15 lakh people.
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Andhra Pradesh Aquaculture Sector Faces Pricing Challenges
Jagan alleged that a syndicate controlling aquaculture seed, feed, and processing units has manipulated prices at the expense of farmers. According to him, farmers are paying more for essential inputs while receiving lower prices for their harvested produce, leading to mounting financial losses.
He claimed that the coalition government has failed to intervene and protect farmers from market distortions. As a result, many aqua farmers are struggling to remain financially viable.
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Andhra Pradesh Aquaculture Sector and APSADA Reforms
Highlighting his government’s record, Jagan said the Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Authority (APSADA) Act was introduced in 2020 to regulate the industry and safeguard farmers’ interests. He noted that the Chief Minister served as the authority’s chairperson under the legislation.
Jagan alleged that the present government has weakened the APSADA framework and failed to prevent price manipulation within the industry. He promised that the YSRCP would restore the original structure of the Act if it returns to power.
The former Chief Minister also criticised the government’s handling of electricity subsidies. He said the previous YSRCP government extended ₹3,306 crore in power subsidies over 57 months, helping reduce production costs for aqua farmers.
According to Jagan, new power regulations and frequent, unannounced electricity outages have increased operational expenses. He claimed many farmers now depend on diesel generators to keep their aquaculture farms running.
Future Plans for Andhra Pradesh Aquaculture Sector
Jagan highlighted what he described as the YSRCP government’s achievements in the aquaculture industry. He said production increased from 39 lakh tonnes to 51 lakh tonnes during the party’s five-year tenure, while seafood exports reached a value of ₹20,000 crore.
He also claimed Andhra Pradesh received the Central Government’s Best Marine State Award after significantly reducing antibiotic residue levels in aquaculture products.
Expanding his criticism, Jagan alleged that tobacco farmers are also facing severe hardship because of poor prices and inadequate government support.
Assuring aqua farmers of continued backing, he said the YSRCP would continue its fight for their interests. He pledged to restore the APSADA framework and dismantle what he described as the “syndicate system” if the party returns to office.
The meeting was attended by YSRCP West Godavari District President Mudunuri Prasada Raju, Regional Coordinator Gudivada Amarnath, former Deputy Chief Minister Kottu Satyanarayana, former Ministers Karumuri Venkata Nageswara Rao and Cherukuvada Sriranganatha Raju, Narasapuram Parliamentary Coordinator Guduri Umabala, Bhimavaram In-charge Chinamilli Venkatarayudu, MLCs Kavuru Srinivasa Rao and Talasila Raghuram, former MLC Meka Seshubabu, former APSADA Chairman Vaddi Raghuram Naidu, along with a large number of aqua farmers and party leaders.
1. Why did Jagan criticise the coalition government over the Andhra Pradesh Aquaculture Sector?
Jagan alleged that government policies have increased farmers’ costs, encouraged price manipulation, and weakened protections provided under the APSADA Act.
2. What is APSADA?
The Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Authority (APSADA) is a regulatory body created to oversee the aquaculture sector and safeguard the interests of aqua farmers.
3. What promises did Jagan make to aqua farmers?
Jagan said the YSRCP would restore the APSADA framework, eliminate the alleged syndicate system, and introduce policies aimed at protecting aqua farmers if the party returns to power.
