Assessing the impact of the U.S. tariff hike on the State’s aquaculture, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said the government will form a committee of officials, experts and other stakeholders to resolve the issue and make necessary plans. He added that he would urge the Centre to hold talks with the U.S. so that the Trump administration rolls back the duty hike.
Addressing a review meeting on the topic at the Secretariat, Mr. Naidu said there are over three lakh aqua farmers in the State and around 50 lakh people depended on the industry, which contributes a major share of the GSDP.
He promised the farmers and exporters, who fear that the tariff hike will deal a major blow to the already-struggling sector, that he will apprise the Centre of their concerns. He said he has already written a letter to the Centre, listing the issues to be dealt with urgently.
The aqua exporters also brought the trade practices followed in countries such as Ecuador to the CM’s notice.
The CM told officials to take steps that will prevent the price of 100-count shrimp from falling below ₹220 a kg and said he will discuss the perceived benefits of forging free trade agreements with countries such as South Korea and the European Union with the Centre.
Finding ways to address issue
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during a press conference at the Secretariat, said the government is negotiating with all stakeholders and exploring ways to help the aqua farmers. He observed that, unlike other farmers, aqua farmers cannot cultivate any other crops. “We are facing problems, and it is a difficult time. But, we should not lose hope. We have to convert crisis into opportunities,” he said.
Published – April 08, 2025 12:51 am IST
