Agartala, January 15, 2025: Tripura’s annual fish requirement stands at 1,17,287.46 metric tons, while local production meets only 85,805.68 metric tons, leaving a significant gap that is filled by imports from Andhra Pradesh and Bangladesh.

The information was disclosed by Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das in a written reply to a joint query raised by Congress MLA Gopal Roy and CPI (M) MLA Ramu Das in the state assembly on Tuesday. Highlighting the government’s initiatives to boost fish production, the minister revealed that the state has 15,084 registered fishermen across eight subdivisions.

“Two key schemes, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Mukhya Mantri Matsya Bikash Yojana (MMMBY), have benefited 10,995 fishermen so far,” said Minister Das.

He outlined several measures aimed at enhancing fish production in the state: Providing assistance to fishermen through self-help groups and cooperative societies; Developing new ponds and lakes for scientific pisciculture; Reviving abandoned water bodies for fish cultivation; Distributing fish seeds among fishermen; Establishing new hatcheries for artificial and hybrid fish production; Promoting net-based fish cultivation in Dumbur Lake and other large water bodies; and Offering scientific training to fishermen to improve production and quality.

“The state government is committed to increasing local fish production and reducing dependency on imports,” emphasized the minister, highlighting the focus on scientific methods and sustainable practices.