CM Naidu assures aqua farmers over US tariff on their product
The Chief Minister proposed to set up a committee to come up with suggestions to resolve the present crisis
Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has assured that he will make all efforts to rescue aqua farmers within Andhra Pradesh in the wake of levying of import duty by the USA.
The CM held a review meeting with aqua farmers, exporters, officials and other stakeholders in this regard at the Secretariat here on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, Chandrababu Naidu said it is an unexpected crisis. He called on all stakeholders to work together in a coordinated manner and resolve the issue.
The Chief Minister proposed to set up a committee to come up with suggestions to resolve the present crisis. The committee will hold discussions with aqua farmers, experts in the aqua field, exporters, stakeholders, government officials and MPEDA officials and help the government resolve the issue.
The aqua farmers informed the CM that nearly three lakh farmers are involved in aquaculture. Nearly 50 lakh people are involved in this sector directly or indirectly. They said levying import duty afresh would cause trouble to both the farmers and exporters.
At the review meeting, officials put forth the policies being adopted by Ecuador with regard to the aqua sector. A suggestion emerged that the state government hold talks with the centre to take up the issue with the US government.
The farmers asked for supply of fresh water to the aqua sector, so that it will help control diseases and they can get a good produce. They appealed to the CM to ensure a remunerative price for them.
Accordingly, the Chief Minister asked aqua traders to purchase 100 count shrimps at ₹220. Traders agreed to this directive from the CM.
When the exporters suggested entering into a free trade agreement with South Korea and European Union nations, Chandrababu Naidu assured that he will talk to the centre on the matter.