Agartala: Tripura government has unveiled plans to invest Rs 20.67 crore over the next two years in the implementation of cage culture in Dumbur Lake, situated in the Dhalai district. The initiative, integrated into the Rural Infrastructure Development program, seeks to elevate the productivity and sustainability of fisheries within the state.
Presently, 1512 cages have been deployed in Dumbur Lake, with fish cultivation already underway. As part of an experimental approach, the Fisheries Department is adopting pan-culture techniques to further augment fish cultivation in the lake. This strategic investment aligns with Tripura’s aim to reduce dependence on fish imports from neighboring regions, including Bangladesh, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das highlighted that approximately 3,032 fishermen in the Gandacherra area, surrounding Dumbur Lake, earn an average monthly income ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 14,000 through fishery activities. Acknowledging the seasonal challenges posed by heavy monsoon water flow, the state government supports fishermen by providing a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 during the suspension of fishing activities.
Dumbur Lake, a significant water body in the region under the jurisdiction of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), has been utilized by the state government for fish cultivation in the past three financial years, cultivating 24 lakh, 29 lakh, and 22 lakh fishlings, respectively.
In addition to the cage culture initiative, the Fisheries Department has taken measures to produce fishlings of locally available varieties across 75 water bodies, covering 10.32 hectares of land and benefiting 1769 families. These comprehensive efforts aim to boost overall fish production in Tripura, ultimately reducing the state’s reliance on fish imports and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices.
