Cyclone Arnab may have moved away from the Andhra Pradesh coast, but its impact continues to trouble shrimp farmers across the undivided Godavari districts. Days of heavy rain, strong winds and electricity disruptions have affected pond operations, damaged equipment and increased the financial pressure on farmers.
With power supply reportedly disrupted for three days in several areas, farmers are spending heavily on generators to keep aerators running and protect their shrimp stocks. At the same time, falling shrimp prices and difficulties in harvesting are adding to their losses.
Power Outages Increase Farm Operating Costs
Electricity disruptions have become one of the biggest challenges for shrimp farmers following the cyclone. Without a regular power supply, farmers are forced to depend on generators to operate aerators and maintain oxygen levels in their ponds.
Running generators for extended periods is increasing diesel and operating expenses. Farmers who have already invested lakhs of rupees in their crops are now facing additional costs simply to keep their shrimp alive.
The disruption has also reportedly resulted in shrimp mortality in some ponds, adding to concerns about crop losses.
Strong Winds Damage Equipment and Feed Stocks
The cyclone's strong winds have damaged essential farm infrastructure. Some aerators have reportedly been displaced or damaged, while feed bags have become wet due to rain.
Damaged aerators make pond management more difficult, particularly when electricity supply is already unreliable. Wet feed stocks can also create additional financial losses for farmers who must manage their remaining feed carefully.
Shrimp Health and Harvesting Challenges
Farmers are also reporting concerns about viral infections following the adverse weather conditions. Weather-related changes can place shrimp under stress, but the exact cause of disease problems requires proper diagnosis.
Harvesting has become another challenge, with farmers reportedly struggling to access ice needed to preserve harvested shrimp. Without adequate ice availability, maintaining freshness and arranging timely transportation become difficult.
Shrimp Prices Fall by ₹40–₹60 Per Kg
Adding to their difficulties, farmers are also facing a decline in shrimp procurement prices.
According to the concerns raised by farmers, traders are allegedly operating in a syndicate and reducing prices by approximately ₹40–₹60 per kg. This has increased pressure on farmers who are already dealing with higher operating expenses and possible crop losses.
When farmers are forced to harvest during difficult conditions, their bargaining power can become weaker, making price reductions particularly damaging.
Farmers Seek Immediate Government Support
Shrimp farmers in the Godavari districts are requesting government intervention to address the losses caused by the cyclone. They need support to recover damaged equipment, manage power disruptions and deal with the financial burden of maintaining their crops.
With additional generator expenses, shrimp mortality, damaged infrastructure and falling procurement prices, farmers fear that their investments could be lost.
The situation highlights how extreme weather can affect every stage of shrimp farming, from pond management and animal health to harvesting and market prices. Farmers are now looking for timely assistance to prevent further losses and recover from the impact of Cyclone Arnab.
