Mon Sep 15 12:55:20 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is appealing to the Indian Union government for urgent assistance for the state’s aqua sector, which is suffering significant losses due to tariffs imposed by the USA on shrimp imports. The sector, which contributes a substantial portion of India’s marine exports and employs millions, is facing cancelled orders, tariff burdens, and financial distress among farmers. Naidu is requesting loan moratoriums, interest subsidies, GST waivers, financial relief for exporters, market diversification, and domestic promotion of seafood consumption. He also proposes logistical improvements, cold chain infrastructure, and research support.

**News Article:**

**Andhra Pradesh Aqua Sector Reels Under US Tariff, CM Naidu Seeks Urgent Union Support**

**Vijayawada, September 15, 2025** – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has issued a stark warning about the dire state of the state’s crucial aqua sector, pleading with the Union government for immediate intervention in the face of crippling tariffs levied by the United States on shrimp imports.

In letters addressed to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Fisheries Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh, Chief Minister Naidu painted a bleak picture of an industry facing losses estimated at ₹25,000 crore. Andhra Pradesh, responsible for 80% of India’s shrimp exports and 34% of its total marine exports valued at ₹21,246 crore annually, is particularly vulnerable to the US tariffs.

“Our aqua sector is the backbone of the state’s economy, supporting 2.5 lakh farmer families and approximately 30 lakh people involved in allied activities,” Chief Minister Naidu stated. “These families are now facing unprecedented distress due to cancelled export orders and a crushing tariff burden of around ₹600 crore on 2,000 containers.”

Naidu is urging the Union government to implement a series of measures to alleviate the crisis, including a 240-day moratorium on loan and interest repayments, interest subsidies, and a temporary waiver of the 5% GST on frozen shrimp. He also called for interim financial relief for exporters and increased support from banks.

Recognizing the need for long-term solutions, Naidu has recommended diversifying export markets through Free Trade Agreements with the European Union, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. He believes that Andhra Pradesh’s exporters are well-positioned to meet international demand, particularly in Europe.

Domestically, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of boosting seafood consumption, noting that India’s per capita intake remains significantly lower than the global average. He proposed a ₹100 crore corpus fund, cold storage development, hygienic seafood markets, and promotional campaigns to encourage fish and shrimp consumption.

To address logistical challenges, Naidu requested dedicated trains for transporting aqua products to North India, along with investments in cold-chain and packaging infrastructure. The establishment of regional ICAR research centers in the State was also recommended to foster innovation and sustainable practices.

The fate of Andhra Pradesh’s aqua sector, and the livelihoods of millions who depend on it, now rests on the Union government’s response to this urgent appeal.

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