Agartala: In a major initiative to enhance fish production and strengthen the fisheries value chain, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Sunday announced that the central government has approved the establishment of 11 Integrated Aquaparks across India, including four in the northeastern states of Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
Virtually laying the foundation stone for Tripura’s Integrated Aquapark in Kailashahar, Unakoti district, Singh said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to address growing fish demand and tap into the aquaculture potential of the Northeast.
Speaking to the media, the minister highlighted the significant opportunities in the region. “Tripura and other northeastern states have huge demands for fish, and these states have the potential to increase the production of fish,” he said.
The minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to supporting state governments in making the region self-reliant in fish and dairy production.
The Integrated Aquapark in Tripura is being developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an investment of Rs. 42.4 crore.
Officials said the facility will modernize fish production, processing, and distribution infrastructure, benefiting stakeholders throughout the fisheries value chain.
The aquapark will function as a one-stop hub offering hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage, processing units, training facilities, and marketing support.
Designed under a hub-and-spoke model, the park will be tailored to meet the specific needs of the region and address key thematic areas across the sector.
According to an official release from the Ministry, these integrated aquaparks are envisioned not only as physical infrastructure but as catalysts for economic transformation.
“They are designed to foster innovation, promote value chain development, and generate livelihoods—especially for youth and women,” the statement read.
Tripura, which records an annual per capita fish consumption of over 29 kg, has emerged as a leader in fisheries development in the region.
Over the past decade, the state has received project funding of Rs. 319 crore under PMMSY and the Blue Revolution initiative.
These investments have supported aquaculture expansion, infrastructure development, technology infusion, welfare schemes, and marketing interventions.
ALSO READ: Babil Khan steps away from Sai Rajesh’s upcoming project, announces break from acting
The foundation stone laying ceremony and the inauguration of the state’s fish festival were attended by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, George Kurian, and Tripura’s Animal Resource Development Minister Sudhangshu Das.
Certificates and sanction letters were distributed to beneficiaries under various fisheries schemes, including Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for fishers and farmers.
The event also honoured high-performing cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), and fisheries-based startups, reinforcing the government’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable fisheries sector in the region.
