Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh has laid the foundation stone for an ambitious ₹42.4 billion Integrated Aquapark in Kailashahar, Tripura, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This initiative aims to transform the northeastern state into a major hub for sustainable fish production and exports.
Addressing an event in Agartala, the Minister emphasized the significant role the fisheries sector plays in India’s economic growth, noting its impressive 9.08% annual growth rate since 2014-15—the highest among agricultural and allied sectors. He underscored Tripura’s vast untapped potential, urging stakeholders to work towards exceeding the state’s current production capacity of 1.5 million tonnes and achieving a target of 2 million tonnes. He further stated that Tripura would soon be developed as an Organic Fish Cluster, similar to Sikkim.
The Integrated Aquapark will serve as a catalyst for modernizing aquaculture in the region, incorporating advanced technologies and institutional training for fish farmers. Singh encouraged local fishers to leverage government schemes such as the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and PMMSY, reinforcing the central government’s commitment to supporting training and capacity-building efforts through the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
Union Minister George Kurian highlighted the importance of enhancing fish productivity, noting that nearly 98% of Tripura’s population consumes fish, making it a vital component of the state’s food security and economy. Tripura’s Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das discussed targeted interventions, including the Matsya Sahayata Yojana, which provides annual financial assistance of ₹6,000 to identified fishers and fish farmers.
The event also included an exhibition and the inauguration of the Fish Festival, celebrating Tripura’s rich aquaculture heritage. Beneficiaries of various fisheries initiatives were honored, including top-performing start-ups, fisheries cooperatives, and individuals awarded Kisan Credit Cards.
Tripura has made significant strides in its fisheries sector, receiving ₹178 crore under PMMSY and implementing 69 projects valued at ₹258.61 crore over the last five years. The new aquapark is expected to generate direct employment for about 100 people and indirect opportunities for over 500, strengthening livelihoods in the region.
Union Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi outlined key government schemes, including PMMSY, FIDF, and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PMMKSSY), with an investment outlay of ₹38 billion. He urged fishers to adopt modern aquaculture technologies such as Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Biofloc, and drone applications to drive innovation and sustainability in the sector.
Tripura’s progress in fisheries is positioning the state as a model for aquaculture growth, aligning with India’s broader vision for agricultural modernization and economic development.
