YS Jagan Heads to Bhimavaram to Hear Aqua Farmers' Grievances

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is set to visit Bhimavaram on Wednesday to interact with aqua farmers facing mounting challenges in the state's aquaculture sector. The visit is aimed at understanding their problems firsthand and expressing the party's support for farmers struggling with rising costs and shrinking returns.

According to party leaders, the visit comes after several aqua farmers met Jagan Mohan Reddy and urged him to intervene by raising their concerns at the state level. Responding to their appeal, the former Chief Minister decided to tour the region, which is regarded as one of Andhra Pradesh's major aquaculture hubs.

During his visit, Jagan will hold an interaction with farmers at a public meeting venue on Undi Bypass Road in Bhimavaram. Discussions are expected to focus on the sharp rise in aqua feed prices , increasing production costs , higher electricity tariffs , and the lack of remunerative prices for shrimp and fish . Farmers are also likely to highlight issues related to exports, fluctuating international demand, and inadequate institutional support for the sector.

Andhra Pradesh is India's leading producer of farmed shrimp and a major seafood exporter, with West Godavari playing a crucial role in aquaculture production. However, the industry has been under pressure in recent months due to soaring input costs, volatile export markets, and declining profitability, leaving many farmers under severe financial stress.

Party leaders said Jagan Mohan Reddy intends to gather direct feedback from farmers and bring their concerns to the attention of both the public and the government. They added that the YSRCP would continue to fight for policy measures to safeguard the interests of aqua farmers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The former Chief Minister is also expected to reiterate the party's commitment to standing by the farming community and pressing for solutions until the industry's key issues including input costs, market stability, and better government support are effectively addressed.