GoAP takes several key decisions in APSADA meeting
AP’s Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation, Marketing, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries, Mr K. Atchannaidu, has announced that the State’s aquaculture sector will be developed in line with international standards and branded on the global stage.
Presiding over the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Agency (APSADA) at the Secretariat, the minister held discussions with state officials on fishery resources, product quality, export potential, and strategies to enhance farmers’ incomes.
Minister Atchannaidu called for adopting modern technology, eco-friendly practices, and scientific methods in fisheries production as it would increase and strengthen 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.
Several key decisions were taken to ensure sustainable aquaculture growth.
Simplification of Aquaculture Licensing
The Minister announced that aqua farmers can now easily register their ponds online under the APSADA Act.
As registration is mandatory for all aquaculture farmers to avail of Government schemes, this will expedite the licensing process, he said.
This 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 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, warned the minister.
Approval for Mariculture and Cage Culture in Reservoirs
The Committee approved mariculture and reservoir cage culture projects to be implemented experimentally in coastal and inland waters.
It was also mentioned that Plans are afoot to increase fish production by 5 lakh tonnes through cage culture in reservoirs.
Suitable coastal areas have been identified to promote seaweed cultivation, providing local employment opportunities, with plans for future expansion.
Exploring New Markets
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.
He further informed that the Chief Minister, Mr N. Chandrababu 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 Mr Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, Special Chief Secretary (Fisheries) Mr B. Rajasekhar, Commissioner of Fisheries Mr Rama Shankar Naik, and other Executive Committee members.
