Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has sought the Centre’s support on key issues related to aquaculture, tobacco farmers and the proposed Rayalaseema Integrated Horticulture Development Plan. Mr. Naidu urged the Centre to take policy measures to reduce the cost of raw materials used in shrimp feed production, saying rising input costs were affecting aqua farmers and seafood exports.

 

The Chief Minister made the requests during his meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Amaravati yesterday. Mr Naidu also sought support to strengthen Farmer Producer Organisations, promote domestic markets for aquaculture products and establish the Andhra Pradesh Prawn Producers Coordination Committee with financial assistance from the National Fisheries Development Board.

 

The Chief Minister also requested the Centre’s intervention to reduce tariffs on Indian seafood exports to the United States. He urged immediate measures to protect the interests of tobacco farmers, citing challenges due to higher taxes and reduced procurement.

 

Seeking full Central support for the Rayalaseema Integrated Horticulture Development Plan, Mr. Naidu said the initiative aims to boost horticulture cultivation, improve irrigation and road connectivity, attract investments and create employment opportunities