Punjab shrimp farming declines due to high electricity costs

Shrimp farming in Punjab is declining due to high electricity costs. Farmers now pay ₹7-8 per unit, up from ₹1.5 in Andhra Pradesh. This change has discouraged aquaculturists, leading to a reduction in shrimp acreage from 1,200 to 600 acres. Aquaculturists are calling for a policy change to lower electricity charges ahead of the shrimp seedling season starting in April. They argue that the high costs are driving farmers away from shrimp farming, which was introduced to utilize saline land. The Punjab fisheries department proposed a plan for lower power rates last year, but no decision has been made. Farmers hope for relief in the upcoming budget to support shrimp farming in the region.