Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh): Shrimp cultivation, which is one of the prominent sectors known for promoting several associated key businesses in the state, is now staring at a gloomy future. The onslaught of COVID-19 has brought down shrimp cultivation by half as scores of workers have stopped coming to work fearing they would contract the virus and also because of restrictions on their movement.
A drastic decline in the aquaculture business and its exports are resulting in a huge loss of revenue to the state. Poor marketing strategies in times of the pandemic have added to the woes of those in the shrimp business.
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The uncertainty that has grappled the shrimp business has left the aqua farmers divided on whether to continue running the business on thin ice or go on a 'crop holiday'. Earlier, they used to sell shrimps at Rs 480 - Rs 500 per kg. However, since the last few days, farmers said, their business has seen a drastic decline.
Suresh, deputy director, Fisheries, admitted that the COVID-19 situation has been taking its toll on the shrimp business. However, he said, the effects of the pandemic on the business are "partial".
"COVID-19 has hit the fishing sector in general. However, the shrimp cultivation business is not under too much stress," he said, adding that it was just a matter of time before these sectors were restored to normalcy.
"The government will take necessary steps and action to stabilize their prices," he said.
