Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Agartala: Tripura Minister for Animal Resources Development and Fisheries Sudhangshu Das has called on the central government to change the funding structure for the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. During a regional meeting in Aizawl, he requested a shift from the current 60:40 ratio to 90:10 for Northeastern states. Das explained that the current model places an excessive financial strain on small and marginal farmers in the region.
The minister also emphasized the need for more predictable financial support. He urged officials to release PMMSY allocations before September, noting that the operational season for fisheries work in Tripura typically runs from September through March. Delays in funding often hinder essential infrastructure and pond development projects, particularly as the region frequently faces disruptions from recurring floods.
Beyond fisheries, Das discussed the broader potential for animal husbandry in the Northeast. While Tripura has successfully achieved a surplus in meat production, the state continues to face challenges in meeting its milk and egg demands. To address this, he proposed including cattle farming under the National Livestock Mission and outlined plans to establish dairy development units across all eight of the state's districts.
Das highlighted that these sectors are vital for rural livelihoods and nutritional security. He pointed to the state's Mukhyamantri Matsya Vikas Yojana as an example of ongoing local efforts to improve pond creation and supply fishery inputs. The minister concluded that enhanced coordination through regional platforms remains a key driver in accelerating agricultural and economic growth across the area.
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