Bhubaneswar, May 20 -- Prawn farmers in Odisha's Bhadrak district are facing severe difficulties due to an acute shortage of diesel, raising concerns over large-scale losses in aquaculture production. The crisis has particularly affected farmers in Chandbali block, where diesel is highly essential for operating equipment used in shrimp farming activities, sources said on Wednesday.

According to local farmers, they are not receiving diesel in barrels as per their required quantity, which has disrupted day-to-day operations in shrimp ponds. The shortage has created panic among shrimp cultivators, many of whom depend entirely on aquaculture for their livelihood. Farmers alleged that the lack of adequate fuel supply is hampering the function...