Jammu : K2 Khyber Aquaculture, a leading private player in cold-water fisheries, showcased its vision for sustainable and technology-driven trout farming during the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar.
The conference, themed “Sustainable Harnessing of Cold Water Fisheries for Growth and Prosperity,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening the cold-water fisheries sector in the Himalayan region.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
During the conference, K2 Khyber Aquaculture highlighted its ambitious roadmap for implementing a Trout Cluster under the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP), with a proposed investment of ₹56.33 crore aimed at transforming the region’s trout sector into a modern, export-oriented industry.
A company spokesperson said the initiative seeks to combine Jammu and Kashmir’s natural advantages with modern aquaculture technologies to boost production while ensuring sustainability.
“Our mission is to bridge the gap between J&K’s pristine natural resources and global aquaculture standards. By adopting advanced technologies like the Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS), we aim to enhance production while building a sustainable ecosystem that benefits over 150 local farmers,” the spokesperson said.
Among the key initiatives showcased was the establishment of India’s first large-scale RAS-based trout farming facility at AkhalKangan in Ganderbal district, developed at an estimated cost of ₹47.12 crore. The system is designed to recycle up to 98 percent of water, enabling climate-resilient, year-round fish production.
The first phase of the project targets annual production of 1,500 metric tonnes of rainbow trout, offering a premium and nutrient-rich seafood option for the domestic market.
Officials said the project is expected to generate around 300 direct jobs and more than 3,000 indirect employment opportunities across the supply chain, including retailers, wholesalers and small vendors.
The initiative also includes the development of a high-tech hatchery with an annual capacity of 20 million fingerlings, ensuring a steady and disease-free seed supply for trout farmers in the region.
Additional infrastructure such as a 500 kg per hour Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) unit, oxygenated fish transport trucks and a dedicated microbial testing laboratory are also planned to meet international quality and export standards.
K2 Khyber Aquaculture focuses on producing antibiotic-free rainbow trout using IoT-enabled monitoring systems and sustainable aquaculture practices, aiming to deliver high-quality seafood from the Himalayan region to markets across India.
