A delegation of leaders from Andhra Pradesh met Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in New Delhi to raise concerns related to the state’s cotton, shrimp and tobacco sectors, which are facing mounting pressure due to changing market conditions, trade policies and supply constraints. The meeting focused on the impact of domestic shortages, global demand shifts and recent international tariff measures affecting exporters.
The delegation, which included Narasaraopet MP and TDP Floor Leader in the Lok Sabha Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, highlighted challenges faced by the textile and spinning industry in Andhra Pradesh. Representatives of the AP Textile Mills Association reportedly pointed to rising cotton prices and a shortage of quality cotton in the domestic market, which they said was affecting production and competitiveness.
Discussions also centred on policy measures such as the temporary withdrawal of the 11% import duty on cotton and restrictions on cotton exports to stabilise domestic availability and control price volatility. Participants also urged that Cotton Corporation of India stocks be prioritised for manufacturers rather than intermediaries to support mill operations and safeguard industrial output.
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The meeting further addressed concerns in the shrimp and aquaculture sector, particularly after recent tariff measures imposed by the United States. Stakeholders warned that exporters, aqua farmers, hatcheries and processing units in coastal Andhra Pradesh were facing uncertainty, with potential risks to livelihoods dependent on seafood exports. The delegation emphasised the need for policy support and improved market access to protect the sector’s global competitiveness.
Issues related to revised taxation on cigarettes and its implications for Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers were also discussed during the meeting. Concerns were raised about the impact of tax changes on farmer incomes and procurement stability in the tobacco-growing regions of the state. The delegation stressed that Andhra Pradesh plays a significant role in India’s textile, seafood and tobacco industries, and called for timely policy interventions to support farmers, MSMEs and exporters.
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