Agartala, July 10: In an effort to make Tripura self-sufficient in fish production, the state government has undertaken several initiatives, Fisheries Minister Sudhanshu Das announced. Speaking at the State-Level National Fish Farmers Day celebration at Lotus Community Hall in Kalyanpur and the 25th National Fish Farmers Day program at the College of Fisheries in Lembucherra, the minister highlighted the government’s plans to promote fish farming.
He stated that while the annual fish demand in Tripura stands at 1.17 lakh metric tons, current production is around 86,000 metric tons—leaving a shortfall of 31,000 metric tons. This gap is currently being met through imports from neighboring West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Bangladesh.
The minister emphasized that due to limited space available for aquaculture in Tripura, fisheries scientists must explore modern techniques to maximize fish yield in smaller areas. As part of the Mukhyamantri Matsya Vikash Yojana, fish farmers are being provided with ₹6,000 annually. Additionally, in cases where fish are poisoned in ponds, compensation of up to ₹20,000 is being offered.
He underscored the importance of fish farming in strengthening the rural economy, urging stakeholders to participate earnestly. Fish farming, he said, offers higher returns with comparatively low investment. The state government is actively supporting fish farmers through various schemes, encouraging them to become economically self-reliant.
Chief Whip and MLA Kalyani Saha Roy, speaking at the Kalyanpur event, called on farmers to adopt scientific fish farming to help boost the rural economy. MLA Pinaki Das Chowdhury also reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing fish production. Other dignitaries present included MLA Nirmal Biswas, Director of the Fisheries Department Santosh Das, and Kalyanpur Panchayat Samiti Chairman Soumen Ghosh.
The event also honored fish farmers from various districts for excellence in fish seed production, advanced farming techniques, and ornamental fish farming. First, second, and third prize winners were felicitated by the Fisheries Minister and other guests. A total of 403 fish farmers from across the state attended the event.
At the program held at the College of Fisheries in Lembucherra, speakers included NABARD General Manager Anil S. Kumuir Kotmayer, former ICAR Director Dr. S. Damray, Fisheries Director Santosh Das, and Director of Instruction at the Central Agricultural University, Prof. Indira Sarangthem. Dean of the College of Fisheries, Prof. A.B. Patel, gave the welcome address, and Prof. Gosneid Waikhom delivered the vote of thanks. The program also included awards for the top eight fish farmers from the northeastern states.
