AP to shield aqua from US tariff shock
The state government has launched coordinated efforts involving farmers, seed traders, feed suppliers and exporters, to mitigate the crisis
Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture sector, a key livelihood source for thousands, is reeling under the effect of a steep hike in US import duties on seafood. In response, the state government has launched coordinated efforts involving farmers, seed traders, feed suppliers and exporters, to mitigate the crisis.
Agriculture and fisheries minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, who chaired a review meeting in Vijayawada on Monday, underlined the need for unified action by all four aquaculture segments during this critical phase. He assured aqua farmers and exporters that the government is closely monitoring the situation and is actively exploring ways to cushion the blow from the US tariffs. The meeting brought together farmers, industry experts, exporters and fisheries department officials to chart a recovery path. Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishnam Raju joined the minister as a chief guest at the meeting.
The imposition of a 26 per cent duty on Indian seafood exports by the US has sparked alarm across Andhra Pradesh, which leads the country in aquaculture production. The increased tariff has already caused losses amounting to hundreds of crores within days, threatening the profitability of thousands of small and medium-scale farmers.
Among the proposals discussed was the formation of a dedicated committee for shrimp producers, on the lines of the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) in the poultry sector, to boost domestic consumption and reduce overdependence on exports. The government’s strategy revolves around four pillars: expanding export markets and diversifying products, pushing for a reduction in US import duties, securing short-term relief through diplomatic engagement and boosting domestic consumption in the medium term.
To alleviate the burden, the state has introduced a heavily subsidised power tariff of `1.50 per unit for aqua farmers and is in talks with feed manufacturers to bring down input costs. Discussions are also underway to incentivise domestic consumption. The Deputy Speaker called on stakeholders to view the crisis as an opportunity. He spoke of plans to introduce shrimp into the armed forces’ menu and indicated that the state is in touch with the Centre to seek support for exporters and farmers affected by the tariff shock.
Participants at the review meeting expressed cautious optimism, hoping that collective action and timely policy intervention would help revive the sector. The state government reiterated its resolve to ensure no stakeholder is left behind as it works to stabilise and revitalise the aquaculture industry.
The state’s aquaculture statistics highlight its importance to the economy:
Total aquaculture area: 572,065.25 acres
Number of aqua ponds: 204,031
Total farmers engaged in shrimp cultivation: 117,529
Area under brackish water aquaculture: 116,289.46 acres
Vennamei shrimp culture in brackish water: 135,107.12 acres
P. monodon shrimp culture in brackish water: 23,955.60 acres
