Agartala, February 14: In a bid to bridge the annual fish demand-supply gap of 32 to 33 metric tonnes (MT), Tripura is set to establish an integrated aquapark with a ₹100 crore investment, Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das announced on Friday.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the Tripura Fish Festival 2025 at the Purbasa fairground in Agartala.
Das, also the ARDD Minister, stated that since Tripura lacks coastal areas or deep-water bodies, so artificial aquaculture infrastructure is necessary. The state had submitted a ₹100 crore proposal to the central government, which has already sanctioned the project and disbursed the first installment of ₹43 crore. The aquapark is expected to produce 2 to 2.5 MT fish annually, reducing the state’s dependence on fish imports from West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Bangladesh.
Highlighting the state’s focus on integrated fish farming, Das emphasized that the Fisheries and Animal Resource Development Department (ARDD) would provide logistical, technical, and financial support to farmers.
He added that the agri-allied sector has been a key contributor to Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and played a crucial role in stabilizing India’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tripura, where 98% of the population consumes fish, has an annual production of around 85,000 MT, while the demand stands at 1.17 lakh MT, creating a deficit of 32,000 MT. To address this, the government has undertaken various measures under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which follows a 90:10 funding model between the Centre and the state.
Under PMMSY, the state is actively digging new water bodies while providing free fingerlings, fish feed, and scientific training in pisciculture. Additionally, the Mukhyamantri Matsya Vikash Yojana (MMVY) allocated ₹160 crore in the last state budget to boost fish production. The government is also reviving old ponds and water bodies, offering one-time assistance, free fingerlings, feed, and lime to sustain fish farming.
Furthermore, the state has sought ₹10 crore from the North Eastern Council (NEC) for the maintenance of old ponds, of which 50% has been received. This has already benefited 500 fishery entrepreneurs.
Marking the third edition of the Tripura Fish Festival, the Minister announced that the state government plans to organize fish fairs in all eight districts to promote fisheries. On this occasion, several progressive fish farmers and producers were felicitated.
The event was attended by MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Tripura Gramin Bank Chairman Satyendra Singh, and other dignitaries, who also visited an exhibition featuring live fish, fish products, and other farm-based produce.
With these initiatives, the Tripura government aims to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production while enhancing the economic well-being of fish farmers in the state.
