A.P. Agriculture Minister asks officials to provide power subsidy to all aqua farmers

Steps will be taken to fill up all the vacant posts in the Animal Husbandry Department, says Minister K. Atchannaidu.
| Photo Credit: File Photo

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu has asked the officials to prepare plans to provide electricity subsidies to all aquaculture farmers irrespective of zones, as promised in the election manifesto of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The Minister, during a meeting with the officials on December 17 (Tuesday), emphasised that immediate action should be taken for the distribution of fish seeds, and the involvement of people’s representatives in completing the distribution across the respective districts by the end of January 2025.

He instructed the officials to take steps to hold elections for fisheries cooperative societies in Srikakulam and West Godavari districts, where they had been stalled.

Pointing out that ₹6.67 crore has been sanctioned for the immediate release of funds for fuel subsidy to fishermen, Mr. Atchannaidu asked the officials to ensure that the funds for fuel subsidies for fishermen’s boats were released in advance every year.

Marine fuel

The government is introducing marine fuel to save approximately ₹10 per litre and aims to develop 54 government-owned fish seed ponds, he said.  

Mr. Atchannaidu said that the government was chalking out plans to set up artificial reefs along the coast, with support from the Kerala government, to enhance marine resources and improve livelihood opportunities for fishermen in coastal areas. 

Mr. Atchannaidu directed the officials to take steps to fill up the vacant posts in the Animal Husbandry Department. He wanted them to submit proposals for the construction and repairs of veterinary hospital buildings.

Cattle vaccination

Efforts should be made to develop Embryo Transfer Technology in the State to breed superior, disease-resistant livestock, he said and asked the officials to ensure that vaccinations and deworming medicines are provided for all cattle, sheep, and goats in the State by January.

Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Principal Secretary M.M. Nayak, Animal Husbandry Director Damodar Nayak, Fisheries Commissioner Dola Shankar, and other officials were present in the meeting.