Srinagar, Mar 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir had emerged as the top trout producer among India’s cold-water states, citing a near-doubling of trout output from 1,663 tonnes in 2021-22 to a record 2,650 tonnes in 2024-25, and called for scientifically advancing cold-water aquaculture to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Addressing the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries at SKICC, Sinha presented a detailed account of infrastructure growth since 2020 — private trout units rising from 936 to 1,649; hatcheries from 1 to 9; trout feed mills from zero to 6; RAS units from 2 to 9; and biofloc units from 10 to 59.
“Jammu and Kashmir holds promise as 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.
The LG highlighted that under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), launched in 2022, Rs 233 crore was allocated for fisheries to incentivise entrepreneurship, establish hatcheries, trout farming and value-added ventures.
He expressed gratitude for the Rs 100 crore Integrated Aqua Park sanctioned for Anantnag, calling it a project that would strengthen aquaculture infrastructure and create employment across the region.
Warning against complacency, the LG acknowledged significant challenges facing the sector — climate change, rising water temperatures, water scarcity, slow growth of native species and fish health risks.
“To unlock its full potential, we must advance cold-water agriculture scientifically, genetically improve trout and carp breeds, prioritise climate-resilient systems, disease diagnostics and aquatic health management. Innovation in indigenous feeds and robust seed-feed supply chains are vital,” he said.
Sinha also paid tribute to the farming community. “At the heart of development lies our vibrant farming community, who are not mere producers but the bedrock of our identity and economy. Now is the time to honour their role with due respect, investment and technology,” he said.
