BY TC News Desk
Agartala, February 02: In a bid to achieve self-reliance in fisheries, the state has witnessed concerted efforts aimed at empowering local fishermen. Chief Minister Prof. (Dr) Manik Saha made this announcement during the inauguration of the state-level fish festival at the Urban Hut of Purbasha Complex in Agartala on Friday.
Chief Minister Saha disclosed that several schemes have been implemented to encourage and support the state’s fishermen. New reservoirs are being developed to expand the fisheries area and address the increasing demand for fish within the state. The reliance on imports from abroad, including Bangladesh, may decrease as initiatives are underway to make the state self-sufficient in fisheries, showing promising signs of success.
Expressing optimism about the future, Chief Minister Saha asserted that the state aims to achieve self-reliance in fish production. The ongoing efforts include the creation of new water bodies and comprehensive training programs for fishermen.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the fisheries festival serves the primary purpose of popularizing fisheries. He highlighted the potential for youth in rural areas to achieve self-sufficiency through fisheries-based activities.
Providing insights into the success of the Fisheries Department, Chief Minister Saha said that 63,397 fishermen have undergone science-based fisheries training, with an expenditure of Rs 9.83 crore. Additionally, numerous cooperative societies and self-help groups have received assistance to enhance their scientific approach to fisheries.
Moreover, 61 thousand 762 fishermen of the state have been trained in fisheries. About 116 hectares of new water bodies have been created to expand the fisheries area. 1 crore 74 lakh rupees have been spent for this. About 4 thousand 581 fishermen have been given various types of aids for scientific fishing. Tricycles with ice boxes have been provided to fishermen under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samada Yojana to market the fish produced. 2640 lakh fish fry have been released in Dumboor reservoir, he added.
Furthermore, Fisheries Minister Sudhanshu Das underscored the government’s commitment to increasing fish production to meet the state’s annual demand of 1,76,000 metric tons. Various schemes, including the Chief Minister Matsya Vikas Yojana, have been launched to achieve this goal.
As part of the festivities, fishermen from different districts were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to the field of fisheries. Representatives from four government-run fish farms were also honored for their success in fish production. The event witnessed the presence of notable figures, including BS Mishra, Principal Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Sabhadipati of Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad Haridulal Acharya, Mayor Dipak Majumder of Agartala Municipal Corporation, former MLA Dr. Dilip Kumar Das, Director of Fisheries Santosh Das, and others.
In his welcome address, BS Mishra highlighted the strides taken by the government to boost fish production, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Acting President Haridulal Acharya. The ceremony concluded with the Chief Minister and other dignitaries presenting mementos to the honored individuals and representatives.
