Shrimp farmers sell locally as prices drop amid US-Israel-Iran war impacts

Kumba Venkatesh and his wife, Kondalamma, are selling large shrimp at ₹400 per kilogram on the outskirts of Vijayawada. They're grappling with falling prices linked to ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. In Andhra Pradesh, shrimp farmers, making up 35% of India's marine exports, are turning to local markets, but many are finding it hard to cope with substantial financial losses.

BRIC Team

Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read · 9 views

Shrimp farmers sell locally as prices drop amid US-Israel-Iran war impacts

Key Takeaways

•Kumba Venkatesh and Kondalamma are selling large shrimp for ₹400 per kilogram, significantly lower than the market price of ₹450 to ₹500.
•Andhra Pradesh accounts for approximately 35% of India’s total marine exports, highlighting its critical role in the industry.
•Fish vendor Lakshman reports popular fish varieties like Catla and Rohu are now priced between ₹200 to ₹300 per kilogram.
•Rising global crude oil prices have increased freight costs, disrupting shipments to the Middle East and affecting local farmers.
•Several lakh individuals in Andhra Pradesh are facing financial losses due to the decline in export opportunities and surplus in the domestic market.

As fallout from US-Israel-Iran conflict drags on, shrimp farmers in Andhra Pradesh face plummeting prices and struggling exports. Many now turn to local markets,selling catch cheap to cut losses.

Near Vijayawada,Kumba Venkatesh and wife Kondalamma sell large shrimp for ₹400/kg . “We sold large-sized shrimp at ₹400 per kg . 20-30 count prawns are being sold at ₹450 to ₹500 in market,” Ms. Kondalamma said,showing price gap between their sales and market. The couple's move mirrors wider trend — more aqua farmers,fishermen taking to roadside sales to dodge financial strain .

Farmers busy in Eluru,Gudivada, Machilipatnam,often weekends. Fish vendor Lakshman noted popular fish like Catla,Rohu,Grass Carp go for ₹200 to ₹300/kg. Export decline means surplus at home,prices drop.

Andhra Pradesh, about 35% of India’s marine exports,sees shrimp,fish farmers hit hardest. Global crude oil price rise ups freight costs,disrupts shipments to Middle East,elsewhere. Many in aquaculture losing big money,thousands affected across state .

With international demand down,farmers shift focus to local markets,trying to find ways to keep afloat…

#Andhra Pradesh