Cyclones Push Kolleru Shrimp Farmers Into Heavy Losses
An investment of ₹20 lakh but a recovery of barely ₹1 lakh. This is the financial situation reported by a shrimp farmer in Andhra Pradesh's Kolleru region following the impact of successive cyclones Arnab and Murasu.
Shrimp farmers in Kaikaluru and Kalidindi mandals are facing severe financial pressure as heavy rainfall, flooding, power disruptions, deteriorating pond conditions and falling shrimp prices combine to affect their crops.
Around 16,000 acres are under aquaculture in the Kolleru region, where farmers are struggling to protect their remaining shrimp stocks.
Flooding and Poor Water Quality Affect Shrimp Farms
Heavy rainfall associated with Cyclones Arnab and Murasu increased water levels in Kolleru Lake. Floodwater entering through feeder channels and drains created additional challenges for aquaculture ponds.
Flooding from the Budameru and Tammileru canals also affected pond water quality and dissolved oxygen levels.
Sudden changes in water conditions stressed shrimp stocks, with farmers reporting suspected viral infections. Some farmers were forced to harvest their shrimp prematurely to minimise further losses.
Power Cuts Increase Diesel Expenses
Strong winds and torrential rain damaged electricity infrastructure, disrupting power supply in several aquaculture areas.
Since aerators are essential for maintaining dissolved oxygen in shrimp ponds, farmers had to depend on diesel generators for nearly three days to protect their stocks from mass mortality.
The additional fuel expenses increased cultivation costs significantly, adding to the financial burden already caused by crop damage.
100-Count Shrimp Price Drops from ₹280 to ₹210
The falling market price of shrimp has made the situation even more difficult.
The farm-gate price of 100-count shrimp dropped from approximately ₹280 per kg to nearly ₹210 per kg. Meanwhile, feed expenses and other cultivation costs remained high, leaving farmers with very limited returns.
One farmer cultivating seven acres reported investing nearly ₹20 lakh but recovering only around ₹1 lakh after the cyclone-related losses. A significant portion of the recovered amount was spent on labour.
Kolleru Farmers Seek Relief Amid Mounting Losses
For shrimp farmers in the Kolleru region, the crisis extends beyond cyclone damage. Flooding, poor water quality, power outages, additional diesel expenses and declining shrimp prices have severely affected the economics of cultivation.
Farmers now face the difficult task of managing their remaining stocks while dealing with mounting financial losses.
