Shrimp Price Crisis Deepens
Shrimp farmers in the Bhimavaram and Godavari aquaculture belt have alleged that a trader syndicate is manipulating procurement prices, pushing the sector into a severe financial crisis. Despite investing heavily in cultivation and battling rising feed costs and crop diseases, farmers say they are being forced to sell shrimp at sharply reduced rates during the peak harvest season.
According to farmers, a small group of traders controls pricing despite the presence of nearly 20 purchasing companies. They allege that prices are kept high before stocking to encourage investment but are gradually reduced as harvesting begins. Tiger prawn prices have reportedly fallen from ₹750 per kg in March to ₹670, while Vannamei shrimp prices have declined from ₹270 to ₹235 per kg, causing significant losses per acre.
Farmers also point to rising feed costs, which have increased by nearly ₹12,000 per tonne, worsening their financial burden. They claim government directions to reduce feed prices have not been implemented effectively.
They have further alleged that fisheries officials have failed to ensure fair pricing and proper quality certification, allowing traders to dictate procurement rates. While farmers have raised allegations of official inaction and possible collusion, these claims remain unverified. They have urged the government to intervene immediately to ensure transparent pricing and protect thousands of livelihoods dependent on aquaculture.
