Agartala, November 28, 2024: Tripura’s Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das announced a significant initiative to enhance fish farming in the state, with a Rs 10 crore proposal submitted to the North Eastern Council (NEC). This plan includes financial support for fish farmers with at least one ‘kani’ of water body, offering Rs 56,000 per farmer for pisciculture. Additionally, an Aqua Park spanning 500 ‘kanis’ is set to be developed at Satero Miah Haor in Kailashahar, Unakoti district, projected to increase fish production by 5,000 metric tonnes (MTs).

“Currently, Tripura requires 1.17 lakh MTs of fish annually. The state produces 85,000 MTs, while 32,000 MTs are imported from Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bangladesh, and Odisha,” Minister Das stated during a program at Sukanta Academy in Agartala on Thursday. He added, “The Aqua Park will bridge this gap, significantly reducing dependency on external sources.”

The event, centered on distributing benefits to fish farmers under schemes like Mukhya Mantri Matsya Bikash Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for 2024-25, highlighted the government’s commitment to boosting fish production.

Minister Das detailed ongoing efforts to support fish farmers. “In the 2023-24 fiscal year, 3,000 farmers received Rs 6,000 annually under Matsya Sahayata Yojana. For 2024-25, 5,500 farmers are enlisted for similar benefits,” he shared. The schemes cover expenses for water body renovation, fish food, training, and more. Additionally, subsidies are provided—60% for SC/ST women and 40% for general farmers.

The PMMSY program focuses on doubling fish farmers’ income, offering three-wheeler vehicles with cold storage for fish sales. “Even Fish Kiosks for selling cooked, hygienic fish items are being introduced,” Das noted.

Highlighting the profitability of pisciculture, Das said, “A fishling costing Rs 2 can grow into a fish worth Rs 300. Increased fish production will also create employment opportunities statewide.” He emphasized the importance of renovating unutilized water bodies to address production shortfalls.

Sabhadipati of Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad (PTZP), Balai Goswami, reflected on the BJP-led government’s goals. “Since 2018, our primary aim has been self-reliance. Proper implementation of schemes will undoubtedly achieve this, despite some challenges,” he said.

Secretary of Fisheries, Deepa D. Nair, expressed optimism about the schemes’ impact on farmers. MLA Mina Rani Sarkar and Fisheries Director Santosh Das were also present.

During the program, benefits amounting to Rs 38 lakh were distributed to 650 farmers across three subdivisions—Jirania, Mohanpur, and Sadar in West Tripura.