BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 2nd March 2024: In a bid to boost the fish production and income of the state, Fisheries Minister Sudhanshu Das on Saturday urged the people who have ponds at their homes to sell fish in their local markets, besides meeting their own family needs. He said that this would not only fulfill the demand of fish in the area, but also improve the financial condition of the pond owners.
He also said that the state government is committed to make Tripura self-sufficient in fish and provide employment opportunities to the youth through various schemes and initiatives for fish farmers. He was speaking at the inauguration of Matsya Sahayak Yojana, a scheme that provides financial assistance to fish farmers for pond renovation, at Muktadhara Auditorium in the capital city.
Das said that the state government has sought an approval of Rs. 100 crore from the central government to construct an Integrated Aqua Park in Unakoti district, which has been granted. He said that the project, once completed, would make Unakoti district the largest reservoir after Dumbur in the state, with an annual production target of four to five thousand metric tons of fish. He added that the government plans to implement similar projects in other parts of the state in the future.
He also said that the state government will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the forest department to link the water bodies in the forest areas to fish farming. He said that these water bodies can be entrusted to self-help groups (SHGs) for fish cultivation. He warned that any official of the fisheries department who is found to be negligent or corrupt in the matter of fish farming will face strict action.
He also distributed cheques of Rs. 50,000 each to the beneficiaries of the Matsya Sahayak Yojana for pond renovation. He said that the objective of the scheme is to meet the shortfall in fish production in the state and increase the income of the fish farmers. He also interacted with the fishermen and listened to their problems and suggestions. Other officials of the fisheries department were also present on the occasion.
