AP lifts 10-acre cap, provides ₹1.50/unit power to all aqua farmers

In a move aimed at boosting the aquaculture sector, the Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday issued G.O. No. 57, extending power supply at ₹1.50 per unit to aquaculture ponds across the State, irrespective of their location in designated aqua zones. The order, released at Palakollu in West Godavari district, also removes the earlier 10-acre ceiling for availing the power subsidy.

The Government Order was handed over by Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu and Energy and Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu in the presence of aqua farmers. Farmers from various parts of the State attended the event and expressed gratitude for the subsidy extension.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Atchannaidu said the government had constituted a committee comprising farmers and representatives of the aquaculture sector to monitor aqua feed prices. The panel has been tasked with preventing monopolistic practices in fixing prices. “Aqua feed companies can no longer increase prices at will. The committee’s consent will be mandatory for any increase in aqua feed prices,” he said.

The Minister highlighted the government’s spending on power subsidies for the sector, stating that ₹1,150 crore had been allocated since 2024. In comparison, he noted, the previous government had spent ₹724 crore over its full five-year term. He also pointed to a 16% growth rate in the sector despite challenges such as export difficulties, rising feed costs, and a decline in global prices of aquaculture products.

Referring to the Aquaculture University of Andhra Pradesh at Palakollu, Mr. Atchannaidu said the government would soon release ₹27 crore to expedite construction and other work on the campus.

Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Deputy Speaker R. Raghu Rama Krishnam Raju, and West Godavari Collector Chadalavada Nagarani were also present on the occasion.

The decision is expected to provide significant relief to aqua farmers, particularly those with holdings larger than 10 acres who were previously ineligible for the subsidy. The uniform tariff applies regardless of whether the pond is situated inside a notified aqua zone, simplifying access to power for the sector.

Aquaculture is a major economic driver in coastal Andhra Pradesh, supporting livelihoods for thousands of families. The removal of the cap and the fixed tariff are seen as steps to encourage investment and expansion in the sector. However, analysts note that the effectiveness of the measure will depend on timely implementation and the functioning of the feed price committee.