Tripura Animal Resource Development Minister Sudhangshu Das urged the Centre to introduce a 90:10 funding ratio for northeastern states under fisheries and livestock schemes during a regional review meeting in Aizawl, Mizoram, on May 25. He also raised concerns over floods, disease outbreaks, and financial challenges affecting farmers across the Northeast.
Quick Glance
- Tripura demanded a 90:10 Centre-state funding ratio under PMMSY for Northeast states.
- The state provides Rs 6,000 financial assistance to fish farmers and livestock rearers.
- Tripura reported heavy fisheries losses during the 2024 floods.
- The minister raised concerns over African Swine Fever and illegal pig transportation.
Tripura Seeks Special Financial Support for Northeast States
Agartala/Aizawl: Tripura strongly advocated a special funding mechanism for northeastern states during the regional review meeting on fisheries and animal husbandry held in Aizawl. The meeting witnessed the participation of Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of State George Kurian, and ministers from different northeastern states.
Addressing the gathering, Tripura Animal Resource Development Minister Sudhangshu Das said northeastern states face unique geographical and economic challenges. According to him, the existing 60:40 funding pattern under centrally sponsored schemes creates financial pressure on small and marginal farmers.
Das urged the Centre to adopt a 90:10 funding formula under the second phase of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). He argued that such a move would increase participation in fisheries and livestock sectors across the region.
He said most farmers in the Northeast operate on a small scale. Therefore, many of them fail to contribute their share under the present funding structure.
Tripura Highlights Fisheries Potential and Consumption
The minister highlighted Tripura’s growing fisheries sector and stressed its importance in strengthening the rural economy. He said fisheries and animal husbandry generate employment, improve nutrition, and support livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
Das claimed that nearly 98 percent of Tripura’s population consumes fish. As a result, the annual per capita fish demand in the state reached around 29 kilograms, which remains much higher than the national average.
He informed the meeting that the state government launched the Mukhyamantri Matsya Vikas Yojana to improve fish production and fisheries infrastructure.
Under the scheme, the government has focused on:
- Pond reclamation
- Fish seed distribution
- Fisheries input support
- Infrastructure development
The minister also stated that Tripura became the first northeastern state to provide direct financial assistance of Rs 6,000 annually to fish farmers through the Matsya Sahayata Yojana.
According to him, fish farmers deserve the same level of support that crop farmers receive under PM-Kisan.
Key Financial and Sectoral Data
| Sector/Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Funding Ratio | 90:10 for Northeast states |
| Existing Ratio | 60:40 |
| Fish Farmer Assistance | Rs 6,000 annually |
| Livestock Farmer Assistance | Rs 6,000 annually |
| Fish Consumption in Tripura | 29 kg per capita annually |
| Fish-consuming Population | 98% |
| Fish Farmers Supported After Floods | 60,000+ |
| Pigs Lost Due to ASF | 1,000+ |
Flood Damage Remains a Major Challenge
Sudhangshu Das also highlighted the severe damage caused by the 2024 floods in Tripura. He said the fisheries sector suffered massive losses after ponds and infrastructure got damaged across several areas.
The state government supported more than 60,000 fish farmers after the disaster. Authorities helped farmers restore ponds, remove silt, and distribute fish seeds.
However, the minister expressed concern over the absence of central assistance despite repeated proposals submitted by the state.
He requested the Centre to include pond reclamation and maintenance support under PMMSY. He further urged authorities to release sanctioned funds before September every year so states can complete fisheries works during the suitable season.
According to Das, delayed fund release affects implementation and slows down development activities.
Livestock Schemes Aim to Boost Rural Economy
The Tripura government has also expanded support for livestock farmers under the Mukhyamantri Prani Sampad Vikas Yojana.
Das announced that the state provides Rs 6,000 financial assistance under the Prani Palak Samman Nidhi scheme. The initiative supports poultry farming, piggery, duckery, and goat rearing.
He said the scheme creates self-employment opportunities for unemployed youth while strengthening the rural economy.
The minister added that over 60,000 beneficiaries have already received support under different livestock schemes.
He further claimed that Tripura has become self-sufficient in meat production. However, the state still struggles to meet local demand for milk and eggs.
To improve milk production, Das requested the Centre to approve dairy development plants in all eight districts of Tripura.
Disease Outbreaks Raise Fresh Concerns
The minister also raised serious concerns over African Swine Fever (ASF), bird flu, and classical swine fever in northeastern states.
According to him, Tripura recently lost more than 1,000 pigs in government farms due to ASF outbreaks.
Das pointed to illegal transportation of piglets through border areas near Mizoram. He alleged that unregulated movement of livestock contributes to disease transmission across the region.
He appealed to northeastern states and central agencies to strengthen monitoring systems and disease-control measures.
The minister also requested better veterinary infrastructure, including X-ray and ultrasonography facilities for animals.
He said improved healthcare services for livestock would reduce premature deaths and improve productivity.
News Analysis
Tripura’s demand for a 90:10 funding ratio reflects a broader concern shared by several northeastern states. The region faces difficult terrain, recurring floods, and a large population of small farmers. Therefore, states often struggle to implement centrally sponsored schemes under existing financial norms.
The speech also showed that Tripura wants to position fisheries and animal husbandry as major pillars of rural economic growth. The state government has already introduced direct financial assistance schemes for fish farmers and livestock rearers. This indicates a shift toward welfare-linked production support.
At the same time, the repeated outbreaks of African Swine Fever highlight a major risk for the Northeast’s livestock economy. Unless states improve border monitoring and disease-control infrastructure, farmers may continue to face losses.
Tripura’s proposals at the Aizawl meeting may influence future discussions on special financial packages for northeastern states under central agriculture-linked schemes.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
Why did Tripura demand a 90:10 funding ratio?
Tripura said northeastern states have many small and marginal farmers who cannot afford the current 60:40 funding structure under central schemes.
What assistance does Tripura provide to fish farmers?
The state provides Rs 6,000 annual financial assistance to fish farmers under the Matsya Sahayata Yojana.
What disease outbreak affected Tripura’s livestock sector?
African Swine Fever affected Tripura recently, causing the death of more than 1,000 pigs in government farms.