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Singh urges stakeholders to make Tripura a ‘Fish Surplus State’
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Tuesday, 20 May, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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Foundation Stone was laid for an Integrated Aquapark under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), worth Rs 42.4 crore in Kailashahar, Tripura by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj in an event held in Agartala. In addition, the event featured an exhibition and inauguration of the Fish Festival highlighting the rich culture and diverse fishes of the state. The event was also graced by George Kurian, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs along with Sudhangshu Das, Minister of Fisheries, Government of Tripura and Tinku Roy, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Tripura.
Singh shed light on the vital role, the sector plays in boosting India’s economy, noting that the fisheries sector has exhibited growth at 9.08% since 2014-15, highest amongst Agri and Allied sectors, in India. Recognising the vast potential that Tripura has in the fisheries sector, he stressed upon the need to bridge the gap between demand and supply through use of modern technology, integrated farming and innovation. Rajiv Ranjan highlighted that out of 11 Integrated Aqua Parks in the country, 4 are being set up in the Northeast region, including one in Tripura.
The Union Minister urged the stakeholders to work diligently towards transforming Tripura into a ‘Fish Surplus State’, capable of exporting fish, and to strive for a production target of 2 lakh tonnes, significantly exceeding the state's requirement of 1.5 lakh tonnes. He stated that soon Tripura would also be developed into an Organic Fish Cluster like Sikkim.
While laying emphasis on the need to complete the Integrated Aquapark in a time bound manner, the Union Minister emphasised upon the importance of imparting institutional training to fish farmers. Encouraging fishers to utilise government schemes like Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and PMMSY, he reiterated the central government’s commitment towards supporting training and capacity building through NFDB.
Singh also addressed issues like need to boost scampi production, develop ornamental fisheries, improve infrastructure, ensure easier market access and promote innovation and sustainability in the sector. On this occasion, the Union Minister distributed certificates and sanction orders to various beneficiaries.
Kurian emphasised the need to enhance fish productivity in Tripura, noting that nearly 98% of the state’s population consumes fish. He acknowledged the significant role fisheries plays in the state’s food security and economy.
Das emphasised the state’s commitment to uplifting fishers and fish farmers through targeted interventions. The minister also shared that under the Matsya Sahayata Yojana, identified fishers and fish farmers are receiving annual financial assistance of Rs 6,000 to support their livelihood. Encouraging the youth to take up fisheries as a viable means of employment, he noted that Tripura holds significant untapped potential in the sector. While Tinku Roy, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Tripura further encouraged continued collaboration and collective action to uplift the fisheries sector and enhance livelihoods of fishers in Tripura.
Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, union secretary, MoFAH&D, highlighted the Department’s key schemes and initiatives, including PMMSY, FIDF, and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), with a combined investment outlay of approximately Rs 38,000 crores. It was noted that projects worth Rs 2,114 crores have been approved for the Northeastern region, including Rs 319 crore specifically for Tripura. Likhi urged fishers and fish farmers to embrace modern technologies such as Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Biofloc, and drone-based applications, while fully leveraging advancements in research and development. Emphasising the significance of livelihood security, he also highlighted the advantages of providing insurance coverage for fishers. Additionally, special emphasis was placed on species diversification, particularly the promotion of high-value indigenous species like Pabda and Singhi.
The event was also attended by Sagar Mehra, joint secretary, Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D, Dr Bijay Kumar Behera, chief executive, NFDB along with other senior officials from the centre and state fisheries department.
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