Agartala, August 23, 2025: The Tripura Forest Department has concluded a week-long series of capacity building programmes on scientific fishery under the IGDC CREFLAT Project, aimed at boosting sustainable livelihoods and enhancing climate resilience in rural areas.

The training sessions, supported by German development bank KfW with GOPA as project management consultants, were held from August 20–26 across five sub-divisions—Ambassa, Manu, Gomati, Dharmanagar, and Kanchanpur. A total of 870 participants, including members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), and Village Development Planning and Implementation Committees (VDPICs), took part.

Officials from the Forest and Fisheries Departments, along with project consultants, provided hands-on guidance in scientific fish farming, such as fingerling selection based on market demand. They also highlighted the availability of fish seed from forest-based growers, government farms, and private suppliers.

The IGDC CREFLAT Project, which spans 129 villages across 11 blocks in Dhalai and North Tripura, emphasizes resilient landscape development through soil and water conservation. Of the 645 planned check dams, 443 have already been constructed, with 427 found suitable for fishery use. This will allow 17,876 stakeholders to adopt composite fish culture as an alternative source of income.

According to officials, the intervention is expected to not only generate direct earnings for farmers but also create wider economic opportunities in fish seed production, supply, and allied activities. The project will further extend support in the form of seed and feed supplies to ensure successful fish cultivation.

Authorities noted that beyond income and food security, the initiative will strengthen biodiversity conservation, community participation, and long-term livelihood sustainability.