Andhra Pradesh stood in first place in production of fish and prawns with 71 per cent of share in aqua production, announced Minister for Fisheries S Appala Raju. Accompanied by Collector R Muthyala Raju and MLA M Prasad Raju, he visited lands suitable for setting up of Aqua University at a cost of Rs 500 crore at Biyyaputippa of Narsapuram mandal. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the state has achieved the distinction of being on the top of the aqua production in the country because of coordinated efforts of the farmers of aqua industry. Aqua farmers need not worry about permissions and the same would be given in two weeks. The state government has extended a subsidy of Rs 750 crore to aqua farmers towards power supply, he said. The Minister said the government is taking all steps for setting up eight fishing harbours, three ports and three fishing landing centres in the state as it is keen to develop fishers’ families educationally and financially. The foundation stone for aqua university will be laid after a Bangalore-based team submits its detailed project report.