Fish output rises to record 2,650 tonnes
₹233 Cr allocated for fisheries under HADP
₹100 Cr Integrated Aqua Park approved for Anantnag
Fisheries value chain to boost jobs, farmers’ income
Infrastructure expansion drives sector growth
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as the leading trout producer among India’s cold-water states, with fish production and related infrastructure witnessing significant growth over the past few years, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday.
Addressing the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries in Srinagar, Sinha highlighted the rapid expansion of the fisheries sector in the Union Territory and reiterated the administration’s commitment to empowering fish farmers and strengthening the sector.
The daylong conference was organised by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and was attended by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, senior policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from across the country.
LG Sinha said that over the past several years, 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 strategic initiatives undertaken by the government have positioned Jammu and Kashmir as the top trout producer among India’s cold-water states,” he said.
LG Sinha said that trout production in the Union Territory has increased substantially in recent years. Trout output rose from 1,663 tonnes in 2021-22 to a record 2,650 tonnes in 2024-25,” he said.
He also highlighted the expansion of fisheries infrastructure and private participation in the sector. The number of private sector trout units increased from 936 to 1,649 during the same period, while hatcheries grew from one to nine.
Similarly, trout feed mills increased from none to six by 2024, Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) units rose from two to nine, and biofloc units increased from 10 to 59.
LG Sinha said that under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), launched in 2022, an amount of ₹233 crore has been allocated for the fisheries sector to encourage entrepreneurship, establish hatcheries and promote trout farming and value-added ventures.
He also expressed gratitude to the Government of India for sanctioning a ₹100-crore Integrated Aqua Park to be established in Anantnag district. The project would strengthen aquaculture infrastructure, enhance fish production and create employment opportunities in the region, Lt. Governor said.
“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our focused efforts have made Jammu and Kashmir the top trout producer among India’s cold-water states,” he said.
LG Sinha said that the rapid socio-economic progress of Jammu and Kashmir requires sustained efforts from all sections of society, particularly farmers.
“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.
LG Sinha also pointed out that the fisheries sector faces several challenges, including climate change impacts, 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,” he said.
LG Sinha further said that innovation in indigenous feeds and robust seed-feed supply chains is vital for the fisheries sector.
