Tripura is striving to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production to meet the high local demand, according to Minister of Fisheries Sudhangshu Das. With 95% of Tripura’s population consuming fish, the state requires 1.15 lakh metric tonnes of fish annually. However, current production falls short, prompting efforts to increase output and reduce dependency on imports.
Minister Das, during a state-level review meeting at the Department of Fisheries in Agartala, emphasized the strategic use of allocated funds and the involvement of local unemployed youths to enhance fish production. He acknowledged that past challenges in utilizing the budget effectively have hindered achieving the desired outcomes. New targets have been set to address these issues, focusing on leveraging local resources and labor.
Involving unemployed youths in fish cultivation and related industries is a key strategy to boost production. This initiative aims to make Tripura self-sufficient in fish production, reducing the state’s reliance on imports from Bangladesh and other Indian states. Minister Das highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts and time-bound actions to overcome obstacles and increase local fish production.
Earlier this year, Das reiterated the state’s annual requirement of 1.15 lakh metric tonnes of fish for its fish-consuming population. Currently, Tripura produces 85,000 metric tonnes, necessitating the import of 30,000 metric tonnes. To further support this initiative, the state government announced the establishment of the first Integrated Aqua Park in Unakoti district, funded under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. The Government of India has sanctioned Rs 42.39 crore for the first phase of the project in Kailashahar, Unakoti district.
Despite previous targets set by the state for food self-sufficiency not being met, the current government is determined to overcome these challenges. Efforts are being made to double farmers’ incomes through intensive cultivation and the introduction of high-yielding varieties, with a focus on boosting primary sector activities to enhance revenue and mitigate the impacts of the pandemic-induced lockdown.
Source-The Indian Express
