Tripura’s Fisheries Minister, Sudhangshu Das, has urged Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Lallan Singh to expedite the release of funds for fisheries infrastructure in the state. Speaking at the North East Regional State Meet 2025 in Guwahati, Das highlighted that while Rs. 148 crore was sanctioned under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana since 2021, only Rs. 58.59 crore has been disbursed over five years.
Tripura, with an annual fish demand of 1,16,000 MT and production of 83,000 MT, relies on other states and occasionally Bangladesh to bridge the gap. Das pointed out that 15,000 hectares of water area in the state remain unutilized and emphasized that tapping into these resources could close the deficit.
“If funds are released earlier in the year, we can better implement schemes,” Das said, adding that late disbursements hamper work during critical months. He also revealed that Rs. 42.21 crore of the released funds have been utilized, while Rs. 16.31 crore remains unused. Of this, Rs. 2.61 crore meant for biofloc and pearl culture was surrendered due to challenges like unreliable 24×7 power supply in the hilly state.
Das assured that alternative proposals have been submitted and urged for swift approvals to enhance fisheries development.
