Fri Apr 04 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh Shrimp Farmers Face Losses Amidst Price Drop
**Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh:** Shrimp farmers in West Godavari district are facing significant losses due to a sudden drop in shrimp prices. While officially attributed to increased US tariffs on Indian seafood, farmers suspect collusion between processing plants and exporters.
Over 2.53 lakh acres in the district are dedicated to aquaculture, with a majority producing Vannamei shrimp. The current season, usually favorable due to high summer temperatures, has seen prices plummet from ₹235 to ₹210 per 100 count shrimp. This, farmers claim, is despite the cost of feed and maintenance remaining high. They allege that processing plants are using the US tariff increase as a pretext to unfairly lower prices, benefiting themselves at the farmers’ expense.
Farmers report further difficulties due to a lack of quality seed, leading to high mortality rates. They are demanding government intervention to regulate feed prices, ensure seed quality, and prevent exploitation by middlemen. Previous protests resulted in a temporary price increase, but it was short-lived. Farmers warn that without government support, many may be forced to abandon shrimp farming altogether. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the aquaculture sector and the urgent need for government intervention to protect farmers’ livelihoods.
First Piper 