Srinagar, Mar 14: K2 Khyber Aquaculture, a pioneer in high-tech trout farming on Saturday participated in the landmark National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries held at Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.
The event, themed “Sustainable Harnessing of Cold Water Fisheries for Growth and Prosperity,” served as a premier platform for industry leaders to discuss the future of the sector in the Himalayan region.
The conference was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir.
During the event, Khyber Aquaculture showcased its ambitious roadmap for the implementation of the Trout Cluster under the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP).
With a projected investment of ₹56.33 Crores, the initiative aims to transition the regional trout industry from a fragmented sector into a world-class export-oriented cluster.
“Our mission is to bridge the gap between J&K’s pristine natural resources and modern global standards,” said a spokesperson for Khyber Aquaculture.
By pioneering a 100% technology-driven approach and integrating advanced technologies like the Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), we are not just increasing production; we are creating a sustainable ecosystem for over 150 local farmers.”
Khyber Aquaculture highlighted several industry-defining milestones that position it at the forefront of the “Blue Revolution” in India.
India’s First RAS Facility: Establishment of a state-of-the-art Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) at Akhal Kangan, Ganderbal, with a project cost of ₹47.12 Crores. This system reuses up to 98% of water, ensuring year-round, climate-resilient production.
Massive Production Scale: Phase 1 targets an annual production of 1,500 MT, providing a premium, nutrient-rich salmon alternative to the Indian market.
Economic Impact: The project is set to generate 300 direct jobs and over 3,000 indirect employment opportunities for retailers, wholesalers, and small vendors.
Seed Security: Leveraging a high-tech hatchery with a capacity of 20 million fingerlings annually to ensure a consistent, disease-free supply for the region.
Infrastructure Excellence: Introduction of a 500 kg/hr Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) unit, oxygenated transport trucks, and a dedicated microbial testing laboratory to meet international export standards.
K2 Khyber Aquaculture is India’s leading private player in the cold-water fisheries sector. Focused on “Purity, Responsibility, and Innovation,” the company specializes in antibiotic-free Rainbow Trout, utilizing IoT-enabled monitoring and sustainable farming practices to deliver fresh, heart-healthy nutrition from the heart of the Himalayas to dinner tables across the nation.
