SRINAGAR, Mar 14 : Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as the leading producer of trout among all cold-water states in the country, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced on Saturday, crediting the strategic initiatives undertaken by the administration since 2020 for the sector’s remarkable growth.
Addressing the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries, organised here by the Union Department of Fisheries, the LG highlighted a significant surge in fish production and infrastructure upgrades, reaffirming the administration’s resolve to empower fish farmers and propel them toward lasting prosperity.
“Our strategic initiatives have positioned J&K as the leader in trout production across all cold-water states. Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), launched in 2022, Rs 233 crore was allocated for fisheries to incentivize entrepreneurship, establish hatcheries, trout farming, and value-added ventures,” Mr Sinha said.
He provided specific data to illustrate the sector’s exponential growth, noting that trout output rose from 1,663 tons in FY 2021-22 to a record 2,650 tons in 2024-25. The private sector’s participation has also seen a major uptick, with trout units increasing from 936 to 1,649, hatcheries from one to nine, and trout feed mills from zero to six by 2024.
“Our focused efforts have made Jammu Kashmir the top trout producer among India’s cold-water states,” the LG asserted.
The conference was also graced by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh. On the occasion, Mr Sinha expressed gratitude to the Government of India for sanctioning a Rs 100 crore Integrated Aqua Park Project to be established in Anantnag district.He stated that the project would strengthen aquaculture infrastructure, boost cold-water fisheries development, and create employment opportunities in the region.
The Lt Governor emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir holds the promise of becoming a national model for integrated fisheries development. “The value-chain approach will generate jobs, cut post-harvest losses, and boost fish farmers’ incomes,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the sector, Mr Sinha pointed to climate change impacts, rising water temperatures, and fish health risks. He called for a scientific approach to unlock the sector’s full potential.
“To unlock its full potential, we must advance cold-water agriculture scientifically, genetically improve trout and carp breeds, prioritize climate-resilient systems, disease diagnostics, and aquatic health management. Innovation in indigenous feeds and robust seed-feed supply chains are vital for the Fisheries Sector,” he added.
During the event, model guidelines for the development of cold-water fisheries were released. Best Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), progressive fish farmers, and fisheries start-ups were felicitated, and sanction letters were distributed to beneficiaries under the Kisan Credit Card scheme.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Minister of State for Fisheries S P Singh Baghel, and other senior officials, policymakers, and stakeholders were present at the conference, which aimed to explore collaborative pathways for the sustainable growth of India’s cold-water fisheries. (KNS)
