Tripura has seen a significant increase in fish production, with a surge of 5,000 metric tonnes over the past three years. In response to this growth, plans are underway to establish a modern fish market in Agartala, with an allocated budget of Rs 38 crore. These developments are aimed at supporting local fish farmers and boosting the aquaculture sector in the state.
Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das made this announcement during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Integrated Aqua Park and the inauguration of the Fish Festival at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala. The event was attended by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
Minister Das highlighted the high demand for fish in Tripura, with approximately 98% of the population consuming fish regularly. However, the state’s own production falls short of meeting this demand, resulting in the need to import fish from other states and countries. He emphasized that Tripura has the potential to produce up to 1.50 lakh MT of fish and expressed gratitude for the support received from the central government, which has contributed to the increase in fish production.
The Minister urged fishery officials to provide training to local farmers and encourage them to enhance their fish production for both personal consumption and commercial purposes. He praised the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana as a successful initiative and called for its extension to further benefit the state.
In addition to focusing on increasing fish production, Tripura is also exploring the utilization of previously untapped water bodies for aquaculture. Three projects have been initiated to involve Scheduled Caste community villages in fish production, with Rs 38 crore allocated for the transformation of Gol Bazaar in Agartala into a modern fish market. Furthermore, funds have been earmarked for projects in Rajnagar village and Unakoti to further promote fish farming in the region.
