Tripura's Big Fish Ambitions: Boosting Local Pisciculture

Tripura's Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das outlined steps to boost fish production in response to the state's growing demand. With a deficit of around 32,000 MT, the state is enhancing local production and importing from nearby regions. New projects, including a funded aqua park, aim to close the supply gap.

Tripura is ramping up efforts to boost its fish production as demand soars, said Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das on Friday. The northeastern state consumes 1,17,000 million tonnes annually but produces just 85,000 MT, creating a notable shortfall.

To address this gap, Tripura imports fish from Bangladesh and neighboring Indian states like West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam. However, the state aims to enhance local production through expanded pisciculture, currently practiced over 38,000 sq km.

The development includes a Rs 43 crore investment for an integrated aqua park in Unakoti district, set to contribute 2,500-3,000 MT of fish a year. Tripura's efforts have seen additional state funding, with Rs 160 crore sanctioned last year to develop water bodies and infrastructure, supported by the North Eastern Council.