Agartala, May 17: If everything goes as per the plan, Kailashahar in Tripura's Unakoti district will soon get an Integrated Aquapark, with an investment of Rs. 42.4 crore.

The proposed facility under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) will serve as a backbone for modernising infrastructure for fish production, processing and marketing in Tripura, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders across its value chain.

Union Minister, Ministry  of Fisheries Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj,  Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh will lay the foundation stone for the Integrated Aquapark and inaugurate a one-day Fish Festival from Agartala, Tripura on Sunday (18th May, 2025). 

The event will also be graced by George Kurian, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs along with Sudhangshu Das, Minister of Fisheries, Government of Tripura.

On this occasion, certificates/sanction orders will be distributed to various beneficiaries in the fisheries sector that entails disbursement of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to eligible fishers and fish farmers. Best performing Cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), and fisheries start-ups will also be recognized for their contributions to the sector and beneficiaries supported under PMMSY will receive certificates, highlighting the government's continued commitment towards inclusive and sustainable development.

The Department of Fisheries, MoFAH&D  is prioritizing the establishment of Integrated Aquaparks as a flagship intervention under PMMSY. These aquaparks are conceptualized as integrated hubs that offer services ranging from hatcheries and feed mills to cold storage, processing, training, and marketing, all under one roof. These facilities are not merely physical structures; they are catalysts for value chain development, innovation, and livelihood generation, particularly for youth and women in the region. 

The parks will operate on a hub-and-spoke model, customized to address regional needs and specific thematic areas. 

This integrated approach ensures that all facets of fisheries and aquaculture value chain, from production and processing to retail, are supported by providing end-to-end solutions, maximizing output and fostering sustainable growth. Tripura has emerged as a frontrunner in this effort.

The state with its high fish consumption rate of over 29 kg per capita per year, has made significant progress in the fisheries sector in the recent years. Under PMMSY and Blue Revolution, the state has received projects worth Rs. 319 Crores  during last 10 years to support aquaculture expansion, infrastructure, technology infusion, fishers welfare and market intervention.