Poila Boishakh Special in Tripura –fish will be available at subsidised rates offered by government. Hilsa and marine fish will also be available in Agartala; freshwater fish across 21 locations.
In a bid to control soaring fish prices and ensure that Bengali New Year festivities remain affordable for the public, the Tripura Fisheries Department has announced a special initiative to supply 6,000 kilograms of fish at subsidised rates across the state on the occasion of Poila Boishakh, which marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar year.
Announcing the decision on Monday, Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das said that fish, especially varieties like Rohu, Katla, and Hilsa, hold a special place in Bengali households during the New Year celebrations. Recognising the cultural importance of this delicacy and the usual surge in demand, the department has stepped in to ensure both availability and price stability for consumers.
“Fish is an essential part of the Bengali platter during Pohela Boishakh. But due to increased demand, prices shoot up beyond the reach of common people. To address this issue and make sure celebrations are not compromised, we have decided to sell fish directly to customers at subsidised prices in multiple locations,” said Minister Das.
According to the Minister, 21 sales counters will be operational across the state from 8:00 AM onwards on the day of Pohela Boishakh (April 15), where consumers can purchase fresh fish at lower-than-market rates. These counters will be managed by the Fisheries Department and its allied cooperatives.
Hilsa to be Available in Agartala
While common freshwater fish varieties will be available at all designated counters, premium varieties like Hilsa and marine fish will be sold exclusively at the Agartala counter, located at Maharajganj Bazar. This particular counter is operated by the Tripura Fisheries Apex Cooperative Society, which has taken special measures to procure and distribute these varieties.
“Hilsa is one of the most sought-after fish for Bengali festivals, but its price often becomes a barrier. We have made arrangements to offer it at a relatively reasonable price to allow more families to include it in their festive meal,” Das said.
Price Details
Elaborating on the pricing structure, Minister Das informed that the price range for freshwater fish like Rohu, Katla, and Curfew (likely a reference to Carfu or similar local species) will vary based on weight, and will be fixed between Rs 220 and Rs 350 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, marine fish available at the Agartala counter will be sold at a flat rate of Rs 150 per kilogram, significantly below the prevailing market prices.
For Hilsa lovers, the department has introduced a tiered pricing structure based on the weight of the fish:
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Hilsa weighing 800 grams to 1 kg will be priced at Rs 1,200 per kg
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Hilsa weighing between 1.2 kg to 1.5 kg will be priced at Rs 1,500 per kg
The move has been welcomed by consumers and local traders alike, as it is expected to not only make high-quality fish more accessible to ordinary citizens but also help in stabilising market rates during a period of peak demand.
Market Stabilisation and Festive Cheer
Minister Das emphasized that the department’s goal is twofold — to ensure that people can celebrate the Bengali New Year without financial strain and to prevent the kind of market volatility that has been witnessed in the past.
“This initiative is part of the government’s larger commitment to public welfare. Through this effort, we aim to make Pohela Boishakh celebrations more inclusive, allowing everyone — regardless of income — to enjoy traditional meals with quality fish on their plate,” he added.
The department has also urged people to visit the designated counters early, as stocks are expected to be sold out quickly due to high demand. Adequate arrangements for crowd management, hygiene, and fair distribution will be ensured at all 21 locations.
As Tripura prepares to ring in the Bengali New Year, this government-led initiative is poised to bring festive cheer to households across the state, blending tradition with timely administrative support.
