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Agartala, Jun 14, 2023, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Agartala June 14: To make Tripura self-sufficient in terms of fish production, commercial mentality must be inculcated in the fish farmers of the state, said Fishery Minister Sudhangshu Das as he addressed the press at the civil secretariat here on Wednesday.
Presenting the achievements and future plans taken by the state department of fisheries, Das said that the present production ratio of fish in Tripura is 82,840 metric tons while the demand of fish is approximately 1 lakh 11 thousand 714 metric tons.
“To meet the demand, fish is presently imported from states like Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Bangladesh whose quality remains in a state of doubt all the time. This is because the businessmen use chemicals like formalin and others to prevent the fish from fermenting as a lot of time is required for transportation”, said the fishery minister.
He said, “If the gap of 39,630 metric tons of fish can be produced in the state itself, there will be no need of importing the same and sidewise, the fish farmers of the state will also be uplifted economically and also the people of the state can consume fresh variety of fishes”.
Paving out a unique way towards fulfilling the demand of fish in the state, the Department of Fisheries under Minister Sudhangshu Das have decided to identify the unused and abandoned water bodies across the state and make them suitable for fish cultivation.
Talking in this context, Das said, “This work will need a lot of funds and for that demand has been placed for financial assistance from the central government”.
However, the work of identification of such abandoned water bodies has already started in all the districts and sub-divisions of the state.
Detailing the list of works to be done by the department under PM-MSY for the year 2023-24, the fishery minister said, “13 new freshwater Fin fish hatcheries will be established in the state, 100 hectares new water bodies will be created and input support will be given to the water bodies, paddy-cum fish cultivation will be done in 220.64 ha water bodies, 10 new ornamental fish rearing units will be set up, support will be given for purchasing 55 nos. bicycles, 100 motor cycles and 50 three-wheelers with an ice box”.
Besides, 4246 fishermen will be provided a Saving cum Relief fund of Rs 1,000 for three months for their livelihood during the lean period.
Briefing the future endeavors of the department, Sudhangshu Das said, with the goal of making Tripura self-sufficient in terms of fish production, all necessary steps will be taken by the department while keeping in mind the upliftment of the fish farmers.
“Emphasis will be laid on construction of new fin fish hatchers, input support for integrated fish farming, construction of new ponds and freshwater pearl culture along with many other welfare-oriented works are on the bucket list”, said the minister.
He also informed that complying with the demand made by the fish farmers, Mini mills of production capacity of 2 tons per day will be provided at Khaurabil in Kailasahar.
Secretary, Tripura Fishery Department B S Mishra, Director Mohammad Muslenuddin Ahmed also remained present at the press conference.
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