Says “Climate change is impacting Kashmir’s ecosystem”
“Fisheries sector must embrace science, sustainability”
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said cold-water fisheries are no longer confined to mountainous regions, stressing the need for Jammu and Kashmir to adopt new technologies, scientific research and sustainable practices to strengthen the sector amid emerging environmental challenges.
Addressing the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here, CM Omar said discussions at the conference highlighted how modern aquaculture techniques are expanding the scope of cold-water fisheries beyond traditional geographic boundaries. “We often think that trout production is limited to Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand Northeast or other mountainous regions. But here I learnt that cold-water fisheries are not confined to such areas alone,” he said. Citing an example shared during the conference, the Chief Minister said a young entrepreneur from Hyderabad is producing nearly 200 metric tonnes of trout from a controlled facility or factory.
“This shows that we have to think beyond conventional methods. While we take pride in our mountains, rivers and lakes and say we are among the top trout producers, we must now upgrade our techniques and adopt new approaches,” he said.
CM Omar said the government must focus on strengthening infrastructure, production and post-production systems to support the people associated with the fisheries sector.
“It is the responsibility of the government to uplift people linked with this sector. We must look at infrastructure, production systems and post-production management so that the incomes of fish farmers increase and remain secure,” he said.
The Chief Minister also stressed that scientific research and modern technology must guide the development of cold-water fisheries in the Union Territory.
“Science and research have to guide us on what new techniques can be adopted and what kind of studies are needed so that cold-water fisheries receive a fresh boost,” he said, adding that universities and research institutions must play a larger role in the sector’s development.
CM Omar also raised concerns about the impact of climate change on Kashmir’s ecosystem, saying unusual weather patterns are already being observed in the Valley.
“Who would have imagined that Srinagar would witness such warm weather in February? Even flowers started blooming on trees much earlier than usual,” he said.
He said that the early blooming of flowers had also led to the early opening of Tulip Garden as changing climatic conditions are affecting natural cycles.
“These environmental changes will inevitably have an impact on cold-water fisheries as well. It is therefore important that we adopt climate-resilient and sustainable methods for the long-term growth of the sector,” he said.
CM Omar further said the region has more than a century of experience in the sector since trout was first introduced in the Valley.
“Our long experience should not go to waste. We must share our knowledge and also learn from what others are doing better,” he said.
He added that the conference provided an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange experiences with other states and explore collaborative approaches for strengthening cold-water fisheries.
“I hope that with focused policy support, scientific innovation and sustainable practices, Jammu and Kashmir can further expand its fisheries sector while protecting its fragile ecosystem,” the Chief Minister added.
