AP Agriculture Minister asks authorities to provide electricity subsidy to all aqua farmers

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

Agriculture Minister of Andhra Pradesh K. Achanaidu has asked officials to prepare plans to provide electricity subsidy to all aquaculture farmers, regardless of the region, as promised in the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) election manifesto.

In the meeting with the officials on November 1 (Tuesday), the minister stressed that immediate action should be taken to distribute fish seeds and the participation of the people’s representatives should be carried out in the respective districts by the end of January 2025. .

He directed the officials to initiate the election of fisheries cooperative societies in Srikakulam and West Godavari districts, where they were stalled.

Pointing out that ₹ 6.67 crore has been sanctioned for immediate release of funds for fuel subsidy to fishermen, Mr. Atchannaidu asked the authorities to ensure that funds for fuel subsidy for fishing boats are released in advance every year.

marine fuel

The government is bringing in marine fuel to save around Rs 10 per liter and aims to develop 54 government-owned fish seed ponds, he said.

Mr. Atchanayadu said that with the help of the Kerala government, the government is planning to set up artificial reefs along the coast to enhance the marine resources and improve the livelihood opportunities of the fishermen in the coastal areas.

Mr. Atchannaidu directed the officials to take steps to fill up the vacancies in the Animal Husbandry Department. He wanted to submit a proposal for the construction and maintenance of the veterinary hospital.

Cattle vaccination

Efforts should be made to develop embryo transfer technology to breed superior, disease-resistant livestock in the state, he said and asked the authorities to ensure vaccination and deworming for all cattle, sheep and goats in the state by January.

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