Jagan Alleges Govt–Feed Company Nexus Behind Aqua Farmers’ Crisis

Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture sector, considered a major pillar of the State’s economy, is facing growing uncertainty amid rising feed costs and mounting pressure on farmers, YSRCP president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said on Thursday. Accusing the government of ignoring the concerns of aqua farmers, he alleged that unchecked feed prices were pushing thousands of families into severe financial distress .

Jagan claimed that the steep price hikes were the result of an alleged nexus between the government and private companies , leaving small and marginal farmers to suffer heavy losses . He said the previous YSRCP government had established a strong monitoring system through APSADA to regulate feed and seed quality and prevent arbitrary price increases.

However, he alleged that the present administration led by N. Chandrababu Naidu had weakened the mechanism, allowing companies to raise prices without proper oversight . Questioning the government’s silence, Jagan said several firms were increasing prices without prior approvals, worsening the crisis in the aquaculture sector.

Demanding immediate action, he urged the government to reduce feed prices and support struggling aqua farmers. The YSRCP chief also warned of statewide protests if corrective measures were not taken soon.