Jagan Demands Reduction in Aqua Feed Prices to Support Farmers
Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has demanded a government-led reduction in aqua feed prices to support struggling aquaculture farmers. He warned of potential protests while also addressing concerns regarding the integrity of the ongoing electoral roll revision process.
Highlights
- •Jagan Mohan Reddy demands reduction in aqua feed prices by the end of June.
- •Farmers report losses due to high feed costs and low shrimp market prices.
- •YSRCP alleges the NDA government has weakened the State Aqua Development Agency.
- •Party leaders directed to monitor the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
In a recent development, former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has voiced strong concerns regarding the financial burden on aquaculture farmers. The YSR Congress president has explicitly demanded that the current government initiate a reduction in aqua feed prices by the end of June. This call to action follows reports of farmers grappling with rising input costs and plummeting market returns.
Pressure on Government Regarding Aqua Feed Prices
During a meeting held at the party’s central office in Tadepalli, representatives from the AP Prawn Federation and local aquaculture farmers shared their grievances with Jagan Mohan Reddy. The farmers detailed a challenging economic environment characterized by inflated feed costs and shrimp market prices that have dipped below the actual cost of production. These factors have collectively placed a severe strain on the industry, leading to significant financial losses for those involved in the sector.
Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that the current NDA government has effectively weakened the AP State Aqua Development Agency. According to his claims, this policy shift has permitted feed manufacturing companies to increase prices without sufficient regulatory oversight. Warning of further escalation, the former CM stated that he would personally join a statewide protest led by aqua farmers if the authorities fail to address these critical concerns and bring relief to the agricultural community.
Voter Roll Integrity Concerns
Beyond the agricultural crisis, Jagan Mohan Reddy also turned his attention to administrative vigilance. In a separate meeting with YSRC constituency coordinators and regional in-charges, he emphasized the importance of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He designated the next four weeks as a vital period for the party.
The former Chief Minister urged his party leadership to maintain a close watch on the revision exercise to ensure the integrity of the voter lists. He alleged that there have been attempts to manipulate these records and stressed the necessity of safeguarding every genuine vote throughout the process.
