Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Mar 17 (TNT): YSRCP MP from Tirupati, Gurumurthy on Tuesday raised concerns in the Lok Sabha over issues faced by aqua farmers in Andhra Pradesh due to export disruptions and infrastructure gaps.
Gurumurthy sought details on measures being taken by the Centre to address challenges in shrimp farming areas such as Vakadu, Kota, Chillakur and Gudur, including cold storage, processing facilities, remunerative pricing and development of infrastructure.
He also asked about steps to reduce dependence on the US market for shrimp exports and explore alternative markets.
Responding in a written reply, Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said the government has undertaken several initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana to boost the aquaculture sector.
He said projects worth ₹2,416.92 crore have been approved for Andhra Pradesh under the scheme, with a central share of ₹569.86 crore. The projects include establishment of 17 cold storage units, 160 insulated vehicles, 800 ice-box motorcycles, 85 fish markets, 4,215 fish kiosks and 25 value-addition units.
The Union Minister said these measures would improve storage, transportation and marketing infrastructure, thereby enhancing farmers’ incomes.
He added that the Centre is exploring new export markets, pursuing free trade agreements and implementing export promotion initiatives, along with support measures from the Reserve Bank of India, to reduce dependence on the US market.
Shrimp exports from India increased from 6.22 lakh tonnes to 6.59 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, while their value rose from ₹36,029 crore to ₹41,018 crore, he added.
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