Agartala, August 5: The state fishery minister Sudhangshu Das on Tuesday inaugurated a newly constructed Pisciculture Knowledge Centre in Kailashahar
Addressing the gathering at the event, the Minister emphasized that the centre has been established for the benefit of fish farmers across the region. He stated that the centre will play a vital role in enhancing the skills and income of fish cultivators by promoting scientific methods of fish production.
Highlighting a major constraint, Minister Das noted that the lack of adequate water bodies in the state limits fish production. However, the government is taking steps to utilize existing water resources scientifically to boost output.
He added that many abandoned water bodies across the state have been identified and are being brought under fish farming activities. In the current financial year, the department aims to convert an additional 50–60 hectares of land into cultivable water bodies.
The Minister underlined the profitability of fish farming, describing it as a viable path toward self-reliance with high returns from low investment. Special incentives are being provided for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women. Under current schemes, up to 60% subsidy is available for establishing hatcheries. For instance, for a hatchery costing ₹25 lakh, the government is providing a subsidy of ₹15 lakh.
In a significant announcement, Minister Das revealed that an Integrated Aqua Park will soon be established at 17 Mynar Haor, under Kailashahar sub-division. The ambitious project, spread across 100 acres, has already received an approval of ₹43 crore for implementation.
The Minister also mentioned that under the Fisheries Support Scheme, registered fish farmers in the state are being provided with financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year. In the current fiscal year, the goal is to bring 3,000 beneficiaries under this scheme.
