The Central government has sanctioned ₹43 crore for the establishment of an Integrated Aqua Park in Tripura, aiming to boost fish production and reduce the state’s dependency on imports, Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das informed the state assembly on Friday.
The ₹100 crore project, proposed by the state government, will be developed on 500 hectares in Bisnagar Gram Panchayat, Unakoti district. The Union Fisheries Ministry has approved the initial funding, with further allocations expected.
Minister Das highlighted the state’s efforts to increase fish production, revealing that in the 2024-25 financial year, the Fisheries Department rehabilitated 589.66 hectares of unused water bodies for fish farming.
“Fish is a crucial source of food, employment, and nutrition, especially in rural areas. Given its affordability, investment in fisheries is essential for economic growth,” he stated.
Tripura has the highest fish consumption rate in India, with 99% of its population consuming fish. The per capita annual fish consumption stands at 27.83 kg. However, the state faces a deficit of 31,481.78 metric tonnes, as the annual demand is 1,17,287.46 metric tonnes against a production of 85,805.68 metric tonnes. The shortfall is met through imports from other states and neighboring countries.
To bridge this gap, the state is implementing the Chief Minister’s Fisheries Development Scheme, focusing on pond renovation, soil testing, and support for fish farmers.
