Tripura’s Fisheries Minister, Sudhangshu Das, announced on Thursday a Rs 10 crore proposal submitted to the North Eastern Council (NEC) to bolster fish farming in the state. The proposal includes a subsidy of Rs 56,000 for fish farmers owning at least a ‘Kani’ of water body. A state-of-the-art Aqua Park is also planned for the Satero Miah Haor area in Kailashahar subdivision of Unakoti district, targeting an annual production of 5,000 metric tonnes (MTs) of fish.
Speaking at a benefit distribution event for fish farmers held at Sukanta Academy in Agartala, Minister Das outlined the state’s fish production scenario. “Tripura requires 1.17 lakh metric tonnes of fish annually. While we produce 85,000 MTs locally, we import 32,000 MTs from Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Bangladesh. The Aqua Park project will significantly bridge this gap,” he stated.
Minister Das emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting fish farmers through various schemes:
- Matsya Sahayata Yojana: Benefited 3,000 fish farmers with Rs 6,000 each during the 2023-24 fiscal year, with plans to extend the aid to 5,500 farmers in 2024-25.
- Matsya Sampad Bikash Yojana: Includes financial assistance for water body construction and maintenance, fish feed, training, and soil and water testing.
- PM Sampada Yojana: Offers subsidies on cold storage-equipped vehicles for selling fish, with up to 60% subsidy for SC & ST women and 40% for general category farmers.
Das urged farmers to contact their local fishery offices to access these benefits and highlighted the introduction of ‘Fish Kiosks,’ four-wheeler vehicles funded by the central government for selling fresh and hygienic fish.
Addressing the challenges, Minister Das noted, “Tripura lacks large water bodies and coastal areas, but renovating unused water bodies can close the fish production gap. Pisciculture is immensely profitable, turning fishlings costing Rs 2 into fish worth Rs 300. This will also create widespread employment opportunities in the state.”
The event, presided over by Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadipati Balai Goswami, saw participation from key dignitaries, including MLA Mina Rani Sarkar and Fisheries Director Santosh Das. Secretary of Fisheries Department, Deepa D Nair, delivered the welcome address.
Over 650 fish farmers from Jirania, Mohanpur, and Sadar subdivisions of West Tripura district received benefits amounting to Rs 38 lakhs during the program.
