Prakasam Prawn Farmers Protest Shrimp Feed Price Hike
By Varun Mittal
Prakasam prawn farmers protest a significant hike in shrimp feed prices, demanding cancellation of new rates that threaten livelihoods. A ‘Maha Dharna’ is planned.
Prawn Farmers Face Steep Feed Price Hike
Prakasam district prawn farmers are reeling from a steep hike in shrimp feed prices, threatening their livelihoods. The District Prawn Farmers Welfare Association has called for a “Maha Protest Dharna” to demand immediate cancellation of these revised rates.
Revised Prices Spark Outcry
- Shrimp feed companies previously raised prices on May 11 (₹8 per kg for L. vannamei feed, ₹10 per kg for Tiger feed), but withdrew them after strong protests.
- On June 13, new, higher rates were reintroduced: ₹10 per kg for L. vannamei feed and ₹12 per kg for Tiger feed.
Severe Impact on Prakasam Farmers
This hike severely impacts farmers, especially in Prakasam, where Tiger prawns dominate 12,000 out of 15,000 acres under shrimp culture. Association leader Duggineni Gopinath stated this increase would lead to “total losses for shrimp farmers in the district.”
The protest, scheduled for Monday in front of the District Collectorate, aims to pressure companies and the government to revoke the increased prices.