Agartala, Nov 21, 2022, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala Nov 21: A workshop on fisheries infrastructure development fund was organized at the Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel on Monday on the occasion of state level celebration of World Fisheries Day, 2022.

Minister Prem Kumar Reang inaugurated the program in presence of MLA Dr Dilip Das and other officials of the department.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Fishery, government of Tripura, Prem Kumar Reang said, “Every year, World Fisheries Day is celebrated on November 21 across the globe. The day highlights the importance of healthy ocean ecosystem and ensuring sustainable stocks of fisheries.”

“The fisheries sector plays an important role in the socio-economic development of the fishing community in a state. It is the source of livelihood for numerous economically backward population”, he added.

The minister further said, this day is marked every year to demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders throughout the state.

Three fish farmers from all the eight districts of the state were felicitated by the Department of Fisheries at the program on Monday.

Fish is a major component of daily diet for people in Tripura. With over 95 percent population being non-vegetarian, the hilly state is witnessing a gradual rise in the demand for fish consumption. The growing levels of income and urbanisation are pushing the demand further.

Tripura is the first state in India that has developed a vision plan to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production.

Despite the existence of such a large resource of water, most people in the region rely on agriculture as the prime activity for their sustenance. Therefore, several initiatives have been undertaken by the state government and the concerned department to encourage fish rearing and to attract unemployed youth towards taking up fishery as a livelihood.

“When people prefer to buy fish from markets, certainly, if they have money in their pockets. The rise in per capita fish consumption in the past few years indicates that the money is reaching into the hands of people”, said Minister Prem Kumar Reang.

He further said that the per capita consumption of fish as well as total production have increased substantially in the past few years which is indicative of economic growth.