Jaipur: In the saline water belt of Churu, where traditional agriculture is nearly impossible, farmers have turned to shrimp farming as a viable alternative. However, their efforts are being hampered by exorbitant electricity costs, with rates going up to Rs 12 per unit.Electricity accounts for 30% of the input costs in shrimp farming, as maintaining adequate oxygen levels is crucial for the three-month crop cycle. Unlike states such as Haryana and Andhra Pradesh, which classify shrimp farming as an agricultural activity to encourage this cash crop, Rajasthan categorises it under non-domestic, non-agricultural activities, imposing the highest commercial rates.Some farmers attempting to circumvent these high tariffs have faced severe penalties, with fines reaching up to Rs 7-10 lakh, further straining their financial viability. “In many places in the Churu district, you can only do one crop of bajra or moong with monsoon rain. There is no other agriculture activity. Shrimp has come as a blessing. Instead of encouraging the crop, the govt is trying to kill it with high power tariffs,” said Rahul Kaswan, MP from the region.He said other states have created new slabs for the agro industry with sustainable power tariffs. “I have taken up the issue with the relevant departments and will pursue it,” added Kaswan. With exorbitant fines and power supply disconnection, some farmers have approached the courts. But losing a crop means losing money and investments that run into 15-20 lakh remaining mothballed. Willy nilly, some farmers have paid the penalties, and others are knocking on the govt doors to find relief.When TOI spoke to Ajitabh Sharma, principal secretary (energy), he said, “Though I have not received any information about it, I will look into the matter if there can be a special slab for this kind of consumer. We will take up the issue with the govt to find a solution.”Shrimp cultivation has been expanding in areas where the land has high saline content. About 300 farmers are engaged in the occupation, and farming is expanding in districts like Bikaner, Sriganganagar, and Nagaur.
Shrimp farmers hit by 12 a unit power tariff in Churu | Jaipur News
