Agartala, Oct 03: Higher Education Minister of Tripura Kishore Barman on Saturday emphasized the need to establish a separate Fisheries University in the state.

He was speaking at the 28th Foundation Day celebration of the College of Fisheries, Lembucherra. Barman said, such an institution would further strengthen fisheries education and human resource development in Tripura. 

The Minister also highlighted the role of the fisheries sector in building a developed India, promoting the welfare of the state's fishing community and achieving self-sufficiency in fish production. 

Barman said the College of Fisheries has emerged as an important centre for fisheries education, skills and knowledge in the state. Emphasizing the need to connect education with real-life challenges, he called for an integrated system based on knowledge, research, technology and innovation. 

According to a press release, during the programme, the Minister inaugurated a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) and a Fish Seed Rearing Unit. 

He also inaugurated the expanded section of the students' hostel building. As part of the 28th Foundation Day celebrations, trophies were presented to the winners of the Annual College Week-2026 in literary, sports, cultural and overall activities. Awards were also presented for Student of the Year and Academic Excellence. 

A total of 39 distinguished alumni were felicitated for their professional achievements and contributions in various fields during 2025–26. The Professor J. R. Dhanje Memorial Award was presented to the college's top two performers in the ICAR AIEEA (PG)-2026 examination. Special recognition was also given to S. Dinesh Singh, who secured the All India Rank 1 in Fisheries Science in the ICAR AIEEA (PG)-2026 examination. 

College Dean Prof. Arun Bhai Patel expressed gratitude to all distinguished guests, faculty members, staff, students, alumni and others who contributed to the successful organisation of the Foundation Day programme. 

Among those present as special guests were Prof. Ratan Kumar Saha, Vice-Chancellor of Techno India University; S. Prabhu, Special Secretary, Animal Resources Development Department; and Prof. Debashis Sen, Principal of the College of Agriculture, Lembucherra, among others. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by M. Sanju Singh, an official of the College of Fisheries.