Delhi, 17 May (H.S.): Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with Minister of State George Kurian and Tripura’s Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das, will lay the foundation stone for an Integrated Aquapark in Kailashahar, Tripura, and inaugurate a Fish Festival in Agartala tomorrow . The aquapark, funded with an investment of ₹42.4 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), aims to bolster the fisheries sector in the region. Certificates and sanction orders, including Kisan Credit Cards for eligible fishers and fish farmers, will also be distributed during the event. Noteworthy contributions from cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), and fisheries start-ups will be acknowledged, affirming the government’s commitment to sustainable development.

The Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D is promoting Integrated Aquaparks as a key initiative under PMMSY. These aquaparks will serve as comprehensive hubs providing services such as hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage, processing, training, and marketing, all aimed at creating value chain development and enhancing livelihoods, especially for youth and women. Operating on a hub-and-spoke model, they will cater to regional needs and strengthen the entire fisheries and aquaculture ecosystem. Tripura, with a high fish consumption rate, has invested significantly in improving its fisheries infrastructure, reflecting its proactive approach to aquaculture enhancement and stakeholder support.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar