CM Chandrababu Naidu’s Letter to Centre Draws Sharp Rebuke from YS Jagan
YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy strongly criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of inaction while the aquaculture sector is undergoing a severe crisis. Responding to Chandrababu Naidu’s recent letter to the Central Government regarding the impact of U.S. tariffs on the sector, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy questioned the efficacy and intent of the move.
“When the aquaculture sector is in deep crisis, are you sleeping?” YS Jagan Mohan Reddy asked. He alleged that while the impact of American tariffs is one issue, leaders from Chandrababu Naidu’s own party have formed syndicates and are exploiting farmers in the name of temporary cessation of activity. “Why are you turning a blind eye to this looting?” he questioned.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy stated that although aquaculture prices are falling day by day, the government has not intervened. He questioned why the government has not conducted a formal review or taken strong action. “When farmers are crying out in distress, and when the media and YSR Congress Party raise the issue, how is it justifiable for the Chief Minister to simply write a letter to the Centre and consider the matter closed?” he asked. He went on to question the usefulness of having such a government.
He pointed out that the price of 100-count prawns has sharply dropped from ₹280 to around ₹200–₹210. Despite ongoing price declines and farmers being pushed toward a “crop holiday” out of desperation, the state government has remained unresponsive, he said.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy emphasized that Andhra Pradesh is the number one state in India in terms of aquaculture exports and foreign exchange earnings from the sector. He recalled that during his tenure, his government had established the Aqua Culture Development Authority to further support the industry. Measures included regulating the prices and quality of aqua seed and feed, introducing special legislation to enforce standards, and curbing exploitative practices by setting official prices for prawns—an initiative he described as a first in the state’s history.
He stated that around five years ago, during the COVID-19 period, his government had fixed ₹210 as the minimum price for 100-count prawns to support farmers. He noted that feed prices were reduced three times during his rule. However, even after import duties on raw materials such as fish oil and soybean were reduced from approximately 15% to 5%, the current coalition government has not reduced feed prices by even a single paisa, he alleged.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy further claimed that during Chandrababu Naidu’s earlier tenure, aquaculture zones covered only 80,000–90,000 acres, whereas his own government expanded them to 4.22 lakh acres. He added that while there were 64,000 total power connections for aquaculture activities in the state, 54,000 of those within the aquaculture zones were provided electricity at ₹1.50 per unit. A total of ₹3,640 crore was spent on this subsidy, he said.
He also stated that fisheries graduates were appointed as Aqua Assistants in Rythu Bharosa Kendras located within aquaculture zones, to provide timely support and solutions to farmers. Concluding his remarks, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy demanded strict action against those who, under the pretext of U.S. tariffs, are exploiting farmers. “These tariffs are not limited to our country alone and will continue in the future. Writing a letter and washing hands of the issue is not enough,” he said.