Shrimp farmers in Andhra Pradesh have received temporary relief in a dispute over the pricing of shrimp feed, after the Andhra Pradesh High Court at Amaravati directed that shrimp feed prices, for the time being, should remain as per the rates specified in the circular dated June 12, 2026.
The order was passed on September 3, 2026, in W.P. No. 25226 of 2026, a writ petition concerning the alleged unilateral increase in shrimp feed prices.
The court has posted the matter for further hearing on September 30, 2026. Until then, the interim direction keeps the June 12 circular rates applicable. (Indian Kanoon)
What Is the Dispute About?
According to the proceedings shared in the case, the petitioners approached the High Court challenging an increase in shrimp feed prices.
The petitioners submitted that under the Andhra Pradesh State Aquaculture Development Authority (APSADA) Act, 2020, the competent authority has a role in determining and fixing rates for aquaculture produce and regulating and monitoring the production, distribution and sale of aquaculture inputs.
This includes important inputs such as seed, feed, feed supplements, aqua chemicals, medicines, equipment and other implements.
The petitioners further argued that the authority or committee constituted under the framework is required to decide and fix aquaculture feed rates, and questioned the subsequent increase in shrimp feed prices.
Court Directs June 12 Rates to Continue
The High Court's September 3 order did not finally decide the entire dispute. Instead, it issued an interim direction while the case continues.
The order states that in the meantime, the shrimp feed price shall be as per the rates specified in the circular dated June 12, 2026.
This means that, for the present, the June 12 rates are the applicable rates referred to by the court while the matter remains pending.
The distinction is important: the order is an interim direction, and the underlying dispute over the legality and procedure of the price increase has not been finally adjudicated.
Notice and Further Proceedings
The High Court has also permitted the petitioners' counsel to serve personal notice on Respondent No. 3 through Speed Post with Acknowledgment Due and file proof of service with the Registry.
The matter has been posted for September 30, 2026.
Therefore, the next hearing will be important for understanding how the court proceeds with the broader dispute concerning shrimp feed pricing and the regulatory framework under APSADA.
Why the Order Matters to Shrimp Farmers
Feed is one of the major recurring costs in commercial shrimp farming. Changes in feed prices can directly affect production economics, particularly when farmers are already managing seed, pond preparation, electricity, labour, medicines and other input costs.
For farmers, clarity over applicable feed prices is therefore important for planning crop expenditure.
The interim order provides a temporary reference point by directing that prices should follow the June 12, 2026 circular until further orders in the case.
At the same time, farmers and industry stakeholders will need to wait for subsequent proceedings before drawing conclusions about the final legal position on the disputed price increase.
What Happens Next?
The case is scheduled for further hearing on September 30, 2026.
Until then, the immediate position emerging from the September 3 order is that shrimp feed prices should be as per the rates specified in the June 12 circular.
The case could also bring further attention to the role of APSADA and its regulatory framework in aquaculture input pricing, particularly when changes in feed prices affect a large number of shrimp farmers.
For now, the High Court's interim direction provides temporary relief and price clarity to farmers while the underlying dispute continues before the court.
Conclusion
The Andhra Pradesh High Court's September 3, 2026 interim order has temporarily directed that shrimp feed prices remain aligned with the rates specified in the June 12, 2026 circular. The order comes in a writ petition challenging the manner in which shrimp feed prices were increased.
With the matter scheduled for further hearing on September 30, the final position on the disputed price revision is still pending.
