A.P. aqua farmers get power at ₹1.50 a unit, 10-acre cap lifted
The Andhra Pradesh government has reduced power tariffs for aquaculture farmers to ₹1.50 per unit and removed the 10-acre eligibility cap. Additionally, a new committee will oversee aqua feed prices to prevent monopolistic practices.
Why it matters
This policy shift aims to support the state's aquaculture sector, which is a significant contributor to the regional economy despite recent market challenges.
Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu and Energy and Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu on Tuesday released G.O. No. 57 at Palakollu in West Godavari district, providing power to aquaculture ponds across Andhra Pradesh at ₹1.50 per unit, irrespective of their location in aqua zones.
The order, released in the presence of aqua farmers, also removes the 10-acre cap for availing the power subsidy. Aqua farmers from across the State attended the meeting and thanked the government for extending the subsidy.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Atchannaidu said the State government had constituted a committee comprising farmers and representatives of the aquaculture sector to monitor aqua feed prices and prevent monopolistic practices in fixing them.
“Aqua feed companies can no longer increase prices at will. The committee’s consent will be mandatory for any increase in aqua feed prices,” he said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in