Aquaculture – Andhra Pradesh Reports Fisheries Recovery After Policy Changes
Aquaculture –Andhra Pradesh’s fisheries sector has shown signs of recovery after the state government introduced new policy measures and support initiatives.
The Andhra Pradesh government has presented fresh data highlighting the recent performance of the fisheries and aquaculture sector while comparing it with previous years. Agriculture and Fisheries Minister K. Atchannaidu said the latest figures reflect an improvement in sectoral growth following a series of administrative reforms, including measures related to aquaculture feed pricing and electricity subsidies. The minister also criticized the policies of the previous YSRCP government, claiming they had slowed the sector’s overall progress.
Government Shares Comparative Growth Data
According to information released by the minister, the fisheries sector recorded an annual growth rate of 15.74 percent during the 2014-2019 period when the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was in power. However, the government stated that this momentum weakened significantly in the following years. Official estimates indicate that growth had declined to around 1 percent by the 2023-24 financial year. The minister attributed this sharp fall to policy decisions taken under the previous administration, saying they created challenges for aquaculture producers and affected the industry’s expansion.
Alliance Government Highlights Revival Measures
Atchannaidu said the formation of the present alliance government marked the beginning of several corrective steps intended to strengthen the fisheries sector. These initiatives included efforts to streamline feed pricing, extend support to fish farmers, and continue electricity subsidy benefits aimed at reducing production costs. According to the government, these interventions have helped restore confidence among stakeholders and encouraged renewed investment across the industry.
The minister noted that official projections show the fisheries growth rate improving to 7.38 percent during the 2024-25 financial year. He also expressed confidence that the sector could achieve an estimated growth rate of 14.9 percent in 2025-26 if the current policy direction continues and development programmes are implemented as planned.
Aquaculture Remains a Key Economic Contributor
The fisheries and aquaculture industry continues to play an important role in Andhra Pradesh’s rural economy by providing employment opportunities and supporting exports. Thousands of families depend on fish farming and related businesses for their livelihoods. Government officials believe that stable pricing policies, improved infrastructure, and financial assistance can help increase productivity while strengthening the state’s position as one of India’s leading aquaculture producers.
The minister said the administration remains focused on creating a supportive environment for farmers and businesses connected to the fisheries sector. He added that long-term growth would depend on maintaining consistent policy support and addressing operational challenges faced by producers.
Economic Indicators Show Wider Growth
Alongside the fisheries update, the government also pointed to broader economic trends in the state. Official figures show that Andhra Pradesh’s Gross Value Added (GVA) has increased from Rs 41.75 lakh crore in 2019-20 to a projected Rs 63.65 lakh crore in 2025-26. The administration said this rise reflects growth across multiple sectors of the economy, including agriculture, fisheries, and other productive industries.
The government maintains that continued policy reforms and sector-specific support will be essential to sustaining this upward trajectory. While presenting the comparative figures, the minister said the latest performance demonstrates the impact of recent initiatives and expressed optimism about further expansion in the coming financial years.