Kodungalloor: The price of prawns has dropped drastically, pushing fish farmers in Kodungalloor and nearby areas into a severe crisis. Farmers who own chemeenkettu (prawn farms) in Thachapilly, Kozhikulangara, Chappara, and Karoopadanna have been struggling for months as they receive no financial return for their hard work. The fish farms in these areas cover more than 100 acres of land.

The fish farmers in this region had faced a similar crisis a few years ago when there was a threat of viral infection. Now, after surviving that setback, they are again staring at plummeting prices.

The Kara variety of prawns, which take 90–100 days to mature, are mostly cultivated in the fish farms here. Meanwhile, the vannamei variety is also grown in the region. A kilogram of prawns could fetch up to ₹200–₹400 in the market, but the prices that once held steady have now fallen sharply. The United States’ tariff war against India has also impacted Kerala’s aquaculture sector.

The vannamei prawns, mainly cultivated for export, have suffered a blow after the US imposed higher tariffs on Indian products. Compared to earlier, the price of prawns has dropped significantly, while expenses for labour and feed have continued to rise.

Federation seeks government support
Kerala Aqua Farmers Federation district secretary T A Noushad has urged the Fisheries Department to prepare a master plan to support fish farmers in the region. He said climate change and unseasonal rains are further aggravating the crisis.

The federation has also appealed to the authorities to provide free electricity and to develop high-quality indigenous seeds and feed, rather than relying on neighbouring states, so that local fish farmers can benefit.