Agartala, March 15: In a bid to enhance fish production and create employment opportunities, Tripura is set to establish its first Integrated Aqua Park (IAP) in Unakoti district, announced Sudangshu Das, the state’s Fishery and Animal Resource Development (ARD) Minister, on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference held at the secretariat, Das revealed that 95 percent of Tripura’s population consumes fish, with an annual demand reaching 1,15,000 metric tons (MT). While the state currently produces 85,000 MT locally, the remaining 30,000 MT is imported from Bangladesh and other Indian states.
He added that to curb fish imports and maximize the utilization of wasteland to boost employment and double farmers’ incomes, the Department of Fisheries of the Tripura government proposed the establishment of an Integrated Aqua Park in Satero Miyan Haur of Chandipur, under the Kailashahar Sub-Division of Unakoti District.
The proposal, seeking a sanction of Rs. 99.99 crores from the Government of India (GoI), was approved, with Rs. 42.3994 crores allocated in the first phase under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for the year 2023-24.
According to Das, the project will cover 115.83 acres of land in the Satero Miyan Haur Area, including government and private land leased for the purpose.
He emphasized that initiatives like the IAP are aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in pisciculture within the state over the next three years.
Additionally, Das disclosed that another project proposal was submitted to the GoI, seeking funding for the distribution of 100 fish kiosks, 100 Matsya Vaahini (Eco-Friendly Movable Fish Kiosks), and 100 Matsya E-Rickshaws to unemployed youths in the state.
This initiative, aimed at fostering self-reliance, received a sanction of Rs. 3.40 crores in the first phase under the PMMSY for the year 2023-24.
The establishment of the Integrated Aqua Park and the implementation of complementary projects signify Tripura’s commitment to bolstering its fisheries sector, stimulating economic growth, and empowering its youth through sustainable employment opportunities.
