Agartala, August 23:In a bid to support livelihoods and strengthen the state’s fishery sector, the Tripura Fisheries Department on Saturday distributed cash compensation to fish farmers affected by last year’s devastating floods, which had inundated ponds, waterbodies, and lakes across the state.
At a programme held at Muktadhara Auditorium in Agartala, nearly 2,000 fish farmers, mostly from West Tripura district, were handed over bank cheques ranging between ₹6,800 and ₹10,000. Alongside financial aid, nets and iceboxes were also distributed to motivate fishermen and fish farmers.
ARDD and Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das, who graced the occasion along with Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder and MLAs Antara Dev Sarkar and Meena Rani Sarkar, said the department has been working in a mission mode to aid those engaged in fish farming.
“We are providing free fish fingers, feed, scientific inputs, and modern technology to create employment opportunities and make Tripura self-reliant in fish production,” Das told reporters.
Highlighting the challenges, the Minister pointed out that while the per capita annual fish consumption in Tripura is around 27.5 kg, the total annual demand stands at 1.17 lakh metric tonnes (MT). Against this, the state currently produces about 87,000 MT, leaving a shortfall of nearly 30,000 MT.
“Our target is to bridge this gap and double the income of fish farmers,” he added.
Das also urged farmers to adopt integrated farming practices to ensure steady income from multiple sources.
He emphasized that significant subsidies are available under schemes like the National Livestock Mission, while the ARDD department is ready to provide full assistance—from project planning to execution and operations.
“Fishery and integrated farming activities provide some of the highest returns, but what is needed is dedication and commitment,” Das said, assuring the government’s continued support to the sector.
