Why FM so benevolent to shrimp farmers?

Yet another expression of gratitude from Modi to Naidu

NEW DELHI: Surprising everyone, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced several benefits for shrimp farming in her Budget presented on Tuesday.  In addition to the allocation of Rs2616 crore for the Department of Fisheries, the minister announced special financial assistance and projects for the shrimp farming sector.

 Under the proposal, funds will be provided to set up a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBC) for shrimp broodstocks. This initiative aims to increase the availability of quality shrimp seeds (broodstock) to farmers and reduce dependence on other countries for high-quality broodstock.

The minister has also assured funds through NABARD for farming, processing, and export.

She has also reduced Basic Customs Duty on select broodstocks, polychaete worms, shrimp, and fish feed to 5 per cent.  

One may wonder why the Finance Minister is so keen on the case of shrimp farmers, while the budget failed to offer any creative steps that would ease the lives of about 4 crore fisherfolk in the country. A slew of issues such as climate change, dwindling catches, high fuel costs, and bans by major importers have disrupted the community’s life.

It is not without reason. Andhra Pradesh accounts for 40 per cent of the country’s farmed shrimp exports. Shrimp farming is a significant commercial activity along the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, where the region is dotted with hundreds of seawater-filled shrimp-growing ponds and concrete tanks. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Odisha are the other major shrimp-farming States.

In Andhra Pradesh, farmers can reap profits of Rs4-5 lakh per acre from shrimp farming. The cost of feed constitutes nearly 50 per cent of the total expenses incurred in farming. Therefore, they stand to save a significant amount due to the duty cuts announced in the budget. This measure is expected to enhance farmers’ profitability and improve the competitiveness of their produce in overseas markets.

Before the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with shrimp farmers in Vishakhapatnam. Around one lakh farmers attended. He promised to address their grievances, and they electorally rewarded Naidu for his promise.

So the manna from the budget to shrimp farmers is yet another expression of gratitude from Modi to Naidu for his support in forming the government.