Jagan Critiques Chandrababu Naidu for Failing to Address Shrimp Price Decline

Amaravati, April 7 (NationPress) Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has criticized the TDP-led NDA government for its negligence towards the state’s aquaculture industry and the struggles of farmers.

Jagan Mohan Reddy questioned Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's lack of action in response to the acute crisis that the aquaculture sector is facing, especially as shrimp prices have dropped from Rs 280 to Rs 200-210 per 100-count and are still on the decline.

The YSRCP leader alleged that traders associated with the ruling party have created a syndicate, taking advantage of farmers under the guise of American tariffs, while the government has failed to step in or conduct a state-level assessment to tackle the falling prices.

He remarked that simply sending a letter to the central government and washing their hands of responsibility is unacceptable when farmers are suffering.

He further emphasized the larger agricultural crisis under the coalition government, pointing out that since it took office, farmers have not received fair prices for crops like paddy, cotton, tobacco, chili, pulses, bananas, and tomatoes. He stated that middlemen have been exploiting farmers while the government turned a blind eye.

He accused the administration of dodging accountability by launching counterattacks instead of responsibly addressing issues, a trend he claims is now visible in the aquaculture sector as well.

Recalling the initiatives undertaken by the previous YSRCP government, Jagan noted that Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture sector, known for its national leadership in exports and foreign exchange earnings, was strengthened by the creation of the Aquaculture Development Authority, which regulated seed and feed prices, ensured quality through specific legislation, and curbed exploitative syndicates. For the first time in the state’s history, his government established a minimum shrimp price of Rs 210 per 100-count during the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, reduced feed prices three times, and stood as a pillar of support for farmers.

Jagan contrasted this with the current situation, where, despite a reduction in import duties on raw materials like fish oil and soybeans from 15 percent to 5 percent, feed prices have not seen any decrease under the coalition government, despite the presence of a regulatory board established during his tenure.

Jagan demanded that Chandrababu Naidu promptly set fixed prices for shrimp to prevent the price collapse, and take strict measures against those exploiting farmers under the pretext of America’s tariffs. He stressed that these tariffs are not exclusive to India and will continue, making the government's approach of merely sending letters inadequate.

On Sunday, Chandrababu Naidu called upon the Centre to support the aqua sector, which is in dire straits due to heavy duties imposed by the United States.

In a correspondence to the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to engage in discussions with the US administration to exempt aqua products from additional duties.

He stated that timely intervention by the Centre is crucial to protect the livelihoods of millions who depend on the aquaculture sector.

Naidu highlighted in the letter that the US Administration has enacted a 27 percent import duty on marine food exports from India.