Special Measures by the Government for the Welfare of Aqua Farmers
Under the Chairmanship of Agriculture & Fisheries Minister K. Atchannaidu, First Meeting of the Aquaculture Executive Committee Held at the Secretariat
Minister Atchannaidu directed that all aquaculture units in the State must be mandatorily registered
Plans formulated to increase fish production by 5 lakh tonnes through cage culture in reservoirs
Focus on fisheries sector development, sustainable aquaculture, enhancement of farmers’ income, and strengthening the domestic market
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is holding discussions with the Central Government on the issue of tariff burdens
Minister Atchannaidu issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against those transporting poultry waste to fish ponds
Amaravati, August 13: Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation, Marketing, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, K. Atchannaidu has announced that the State’s aquaculture sector will be developed in line with international standards and positioned on the global stage. The Minister presided over the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Agency (APSADA) at the Secretariat, Velagapudi, on Wednesday. Detailed discussions were held with officials on the State’s fishery resources, product quality, export potential, and strategies to enhance farmers’ incomes. Several key decisions were taken to ensure sustainable aquaculture growth. Minister Atchannaidu assured that by adopting modern technology, eco-friendly practices, and scientific methods in fisheries, production would be increased, strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s position in the international market. He affirmed the Government’s commitment to providing necessary infrastructure for fishermen, aqua farmers, and related industries, while ensuring environmental and public health protection, farmer welfare, export promotion, and new employment opportunities.
Simplification of Aquaculture Licensing
The Minister announced that aqua farmers can now easily register their ponds online under the APSADA Act. This will expedite the licensing process. Registration is mandatory for all aquaculture farmers to avail of Government schemes. The measure will also help improve the quality and traceability of seafood exports. Farmers cultivating fish on D-Patta, Assigned, or CJFS lands will be issued cultivation certificates under the APSADA Act, enabling them to access Government schemes and financial assistance.
Ban on Use of Poultry Waste in Fish Ponds
Minister Atchannaidu stated that instances have been found where poultry waste is being used as fish feed in some areas. Terming this harmful to public health and a cause of water pollution, the Minister ordered farmers to immediately stop this practice. Licenses of pond owners found using poultry waste will be cancelled, and criminal cases will be filed against them.
Approval for Mari culture and Cage Culture in Reservoirs
The Committee approved maricultural and reservoir cage culture projects to be implemented experimentally in coastal and inland waters. This aims to enhance livelihoods for fishermen, including women. Suitable coastal areas have been identified to promote seaweed cultivation, providing local employment opportunities, with plans for future expansion.
Measures to Offset Impact of U.S. Tariffs
In light of the 50% tariff on Indian shrimp exports to the U.S. effective from August 27, 2025, the Minister issued special directives to explore new markets such as South Korea, Europe, the U.K., the Middle East, Russia, and Africa with the assistance of MPEDA. He emphasized leveraging opportunities under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.K. and urged exporters and processors to focus on value-added products. Chief Minister N. Chandra babu Naidu is holding discussions with the Central Government on the issue of high tariffs to safeguard the interests of aqua farmers. It was also decided to establish the Andhra Pradesh Prawn Producers Coordination Committee under the Companies Act, with FFPOs and other aquaculture businesses as members, to function on the lines of the NECC model for boosting domestic consumption.
The meeting was attended by APSADA Co-Vice Chairman Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, Special Chief Secretary (Fisheries) B. Rajasekhar, Commissioner of Fisheries Rama Shankar Naik, and other Executive Committee members.
[6:08 pm, 13/8/2025] CMO Surya Chandrarao: Press Release
Stay Alert Amidst Heavy Rainfall
Timely updates on flood inflows essential for public safety
CM Chandrababu Reviews Statewide Heavy Rainfall Situation
Amaravati, August 13:
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu held a high-level review meeting with ministers and officials to assess the impact of the ongoing heavy rainfall across Andhra Pradesh. The review was held at the CM’s camp office on Wednesday. Ministers Vangalapudi Anitha, Nimmala Ramanaidu, and Chief Secretary Vijayanand were present, along with senior officials from the Disaster Management, Agriculture, and Water Resources Departments.
Based on weather department forecasts indicating the likelihood of continued heavy rainfall over the next few days, the Chief Minister instructed officials to initiate precautionary measures. He emphasised the importance of continuously monitoring flash floods in streams and tributaries of the Krishna River and ensuring timely alerts to downstream regions.
Officials informed the CM that floodwater inflows into the Krishna River may reach 5 lakh cusecs by tomorrow. At present, 3.09 lakh cusecs are being discharged through 35 gates of the Prakasam Barrage. An additional 5,000 cusecs have been released into the canals. In response, the CM directed authorities to alert residents in low-lying areas and make arrangements for their safe relocation. He was also informed that upstream gates at Nagarjunasagar and Pulichintala dams have been lifted. The CM instructed immediate action to clear stagnant water from roads and low-lying urban areas.
Utilise Floodwater Effectively
The CM directed that incoming floodwaters from upstream should be diverted strategically—up to four TMC per day—to fill the Somasila and Kandaleru reservoirs. He stressed the need for efficient water management to prevent this valuable resource from draining into the sea.
Officials reported that heavy rains in upper regions like Mylavaram are contributing significant inflows into Budameru and Velagaleru, which are being discharged into the Krishna River. The CM was briefed that the Budameru Diversion Channel is being completed on a war footing. As part of flood management efforts, the CM approved ₹40 crore for the construction of the Budameru–Velagaleru utility tunnel (UT).
Strengthen Embankments to Prevent Breaches
Officials informed the CM that floodwaters from Kondaveeti Vagu and Paala Vagu are being pumped into the Krishna River using four high-capacity pumps. To facilitate smooth water flow through the canals during the monsoon season, the CM directed the Water Resources Department to clear silt and water hyacinth. He instructed that these works be undertaken immediately on a war footing.
The CM also stressed the need to reinforce canal and tank embankments to prevent breaches. He directed district collectors to stay vigilant and provide real-time updates to farmers. Given the current rainfall conditions, the CM called for construction efforts to recharge groundwater levels.
He advised officials from the Panchayati Raj and Forest Departments to plan trenching locations strategically. He also instructed that trench-digging be undertaken under the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
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