India's first aqua tech park launched in Assam

Why in news?

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the country's first aqua tech park at Sonapur near Guwahati.

Key points:

• The Aqua Tech Park has been set up by Kollong Kopili (a non-governmental organisation).
• The project is run in collaboration with NABARD, ICAR-CIFA, Selco Foundation and the state fisheries department.
• Objectives:
  • To promote fish production. 
  • To increase the income of farmers and youth.
  • To promote modern techniques like biofloc, aquaponics, and ornamental fish farming.
    • Aquaponics – A system in which fish and plants are grown together.
    • Biofloc – Improves the health and growth of fish by introducing organic elements into the water.

What is Aqua Tech Park?

• Aqua Tech Park is a training and innovation center where modern techniques of fish farming are demonstrated, trained and promoted.

Benefits for farmers and youth:

• Kollong Kopili has been running training programs for the last 17 years.
• This park will become a hub of employment and training for farmers and youth.
• Training will be provided in market linkage, direct selling and ornamental fish management.

Achievements of the state:

• Between 2019 and 2024, Assam doubled fish production to 4.99 lakh metric tonnes.
• Assam has now become the fourth largest fish producing state in India.

Government support and future plans:

• The state government is working towards linking traditional farming with modern technology.
• 10 fisheries cluster development projects have been started in the current financial year at a cost of ₹8 crore.
• Youth will be encouraged to take up entrepreneurship in fish farming.