Andhra Pradesh shrimp farmers face rising feed costs after US tariffs
Shrimp farmers in Andhra Pradesh, already recovering from the impact of recent US tariffs, are now grappling with a sharp increase in the price of aqua feed, raising production costs and prompting calls for protest.
According to industry estimates, feed manufacturers have raised prices by Rs 12 to Rs 16 per kilogram effective June 13. The hike comes at a time when farmers are still dealing with losses from the US tariff measures imposed earlier this year.
Aqua ponds require thousands of kilograms of feed each week, making feed the single largest operational expense. Farmers say the additional cost is unsustainable.
“The cost of feed is up by at least Rs 12,000 to Rs 14,000 per tonne. Feed accounts for 50 percent of expenditure in a shrimp pond. Investment has risen from Rs 2-3 lakh to over Rs 4 lakh. Farmers cannot afford such steep prices, especially after the tariff shock,” said Duggineni Gopinath, a leader of a shrimp farmers’ association.
The US tariffs, imposed on imports of Indian shrimp, had already disrupted export markets and caused financial strain. The new feed price increase threatens to deepen the crisis, with farmers warning of protests if relief is not provided.
Andhra Pradesh is India’s largest shrimp-producing state, and the sector is a major source of livelihood for thousands of families. The state government has yet to announce any support measures in response to the feed price hike.
