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To
evaluate the ground reality of aquaculture scenario of the State, a
detailed field survey from door to door of the Fish Farmers were
made and basic data on fishery resources, fish production etc,
collected in the beginning of 2004-05.
Based on field survey data collected in 2004-05, Govt. of Tripura
formulated a revised Perspective Plan for attaining self-sufficiency
in fish production by 2011-12 A.D. This Plan is under implementation
in the State since October, 2004.
The achievements made in first four years (upto 2007-08) were
reviewed and seen to be much higher than targeted.
Accordingly the Plan was modified during 2008-09 with self
sufficiency target advanced to 2010-2011 A.D.
Increase in fish productivity/production has been identified as main
priority programme. Under this activity 26 Model Aqua-culture
Panchayets developed upto 2007-08 to set up good example before the
fish farmers. It is proposed to create 1(one) such Panchayet in each
block of the State during the Perspective Plan period.
To generate awareness and motivate the fish farmers for scientific
fish farming, intensive training camp is being organized in each
block.
Establishment of soil & water testing laboratories
Knowledge about the soil & water quality of the aquaculture
resources is most essential for undertaking scientific fish culture.
Realising the importance of such facility, it was proposed to create
such laboratory l (one) in each block of the state during the
perspective plan period. As a part of Perspective Plan programme,
upto 2007-08, 14(fourteen) laboratories in 4(four) Districts have
been established and these are now functioning.
Development of Post Harvest facilities
The presently available post harvest facilities in the State are
very limited and of preliminary nature. The viable Fishermen
Co-operative Societies and Self Help Groups are being assisted to
develop post harvest infrastructure and transportation facilities
like setting up of Ice plant, Modern fish selling stall, retail
vending Kiosks, supply of Mini Truck etc. 9(nine) nos. Mini Trucks
have been supplied to 9 (nine) Coop. Societies & 7(seven) nos. visi
cooler supplied to SHGs. Besides, training on preparation of value
added products like fish pickle, fish cutlet, fish finger etc. have
been organized for the members of SHG and Co-operative Societies
(fisher women groups).
Formation of fishery based Self Help Groups
With a view to develop the concept of commercial aqua-farming &
entrepreneurship development, fishery based Self Help Groups are
being formed to provide avenue for Self Employment & Income
Generation. There are 936 Self Help Groups formed (upto March, 2008)
and activated for entrepreneurship development through adoption of
commercial fish farming. Of these 276 nos. are tribal based, 58 nos.
women dominated, 105 nos. scheduled caste dominated & rest general.
Large scale demonstrations on various scientific fish culture
technique in private ponds have already been launched. Tribal &
Women are being encouraged to participate actively in fish
production. They are being assisted by providing technical know-how
on advance fish culture technologies through large scale training
and by supplying basic inputs for fish culture in the initial year.
Establishment of Fish Feed Manufacturing Plant
Since 2004-05, 14(fourteen) Fish Feed Manufacturing Plant have been
established in the State for preparing & supply of balanced fish
feed. Of these nine nos. are owned and operated by Self Help Groups
& two by Fishermen Cooperative Societies. One all women SHG is
operating one of such plant.
Aqua ranching
Big size fish seeds are being stocked in open water bodies in
adequate quantity to enhance the fish production from capture
fisheries.
Initiation of Fish Live Gene Bank Programme
Out of 142 fish species found in the State, 69 nos. are only of
general occurrence. Many of these fish species are threatened and on
the way of extinction. Hence, initiative has been taken by the Deptt.
for establishing Live Gene Bank since 2004-05 with following
achievements –
Located at Lembucherra Govt. fish farm, near Agartala it has 46 of
the 69 generally occurring fish species in the State.
Steps are also being taken to breed few of the threatened species
and success has been achieved in Ompok bimaculatus (Pabda) &
Notopterus chitala (Chital) seed production.
Production of Prawn juvenile in artificial sea water
Tripura is the only landlocked State in the Country producing seed
of Giant Fresh Water Prawn (Macrobrachium resenbergii) in artificial
sea water. The first hatchery for the purpose was established in
2000-2001 in Govt. sector. Presently, the State has 3(three) such
hatcheries- each in Govt. & Pvt. Sector(total 6 nos.), where prawn
juveniles are being regularly produced on a commercial scale for
culture and supply to other North-eastern States. Every year a total
of 8 to 10 lakhs prawn juveniles are being produced in the State
hatcheries.
Popularization of Prawn culture practices
Towards popularization of prawn culture technologies among the
farmers of the State, mass demonstration on both Mono culture & Poly
culture of prawn (with M/C) are being adopted in the tank of pvt.
Fish farmers with the seed produced in the local hatcheries. An
encouraging result have been observed by the farmers of the State,
particularly where Poly culture practice has been adopted. The
production of prawn from per ha water area has been assessed as 600
to 800 Kgs from Poly culture practices and 1500 to 2000 Kgs from
monoculture practices. The total prawn production in the state is
about 20 MT per annum.
Pabda Hatchery
Pabda (O. bimaculatus) is a threatened fish species and has been
declared as “STATE FISH” of Tripura. For purpose of its conservation
& culture, the State has standardized the technique of breeding this
species and attempts are a foot to standardize the rearing
technique. A hatchery for the purpose has been established at
Lembucherra fish farm where over 11,000 nos. fingerlings were
produced during 2007-08. The fish seed have been stocked in farmers
pond for culture. A consignment of the same has also been sent as a
token to Hon’ble Governor of the State of Haryana.
Institutional finance
Bank finance in the sector has shown considerable improvement. It
has risen from Rs. 52.82 lakhs in 2004-05 to Rs. 339.52 lakhs in
2006-07. This has greatly helped the SHGs, Entrepreneurs & even
small fish farmers in undertaking fish culture related activities.
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