Tripura is poised to become a fisheries powerhouse, with Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Rajiv Ranjan Singh laying the foundation for a Rs. 42.4 crore Integrated Aquapark in Kailashahar under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The vibrant event in Agartala, marked by a Fish Festival and exhibition showcasing Tripura’s rich aquatic diversity, was attended by Minister of State George Kurian, State Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das, and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy.
Singh highlighted the fisheries sector’s impressive 9.08% growth since 2014-15, the highest among India’s agri-allied sectors. He urged stakeholders to leverage modern technologies like Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc to transform Tripura into a ‘Fish Surplus State,’ targeting 2 lakh tonnes of fish production against the state’s 1.5 lakh tonne demand. Plans are underway to develop Tripura as an Organic Fish Cluster, similar to Sikkim.
The Aquapark, one of four in the Northeast, will boost infrastructure, training, and innovation. Singh encouraged fishers to tap into schemes like PMMSY and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) supporting capacity building. Certificates and sanction orders were distributed to beneficiaries, reinforcing the govt’s commitment.
State Minister Das announced Rs. 6,000 annual financial aid for fishers under the Matsya Sahayata Yojana, urging youth to embrace fisheries as a livelihood. Kurian emphasized fish productivity, noting that 98% of Tripura’s population relies on fish for food security. Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, highlighted Rs. 319 crores in projects for Tripura within a Rs. 2,114 crore investment for the Northeast, promoting species diversification and insurance for fishers.
With collaborative efforts and cutting-edge technology, Tripura’s fisheries sector is set to enhance livelihoods and lead sustainable growth.