Calls for scaling production, improving value chains
Srinagar: Union Minister for Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Friday announced a Rs 100 crore Integrated Aqua Park Project for Anantnag district and released model guidelines for cold-water fisheries development at a national conference in Srinagar — marking what officials called a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir’s trout sector, which contributes nearly 90 per cent of India’s total trout production.
The National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries, organised by the Department of Fisheries at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister of State for Fisheries Prof S.P. Singh Baghel and J&K Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar.
The Rs 100 crore Aqua Park, to be established in Anantnag, is intended to strengthen aquaculture infrastructure, boost cold-water fisheries development, increase fish production and generate employment in the region. Union Minister Singh also stressed the need to scale trout production, improve value addition and tap export markets where cold-water species command strong demand.
LG Sinha said the Himalayan region was the natural hub of India’s cold-water fisheries and called for improving market linkages and enhancing fish farmers’ incomes as central priorities. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of sustainably harnessing J&K’s cold-water resources through technology and scientific practices, and called for closer collaboration with academic institutions.
J&K Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar noted that Ganderbal and Anantnag were nationally renowned for trout production and highlighted the UT government’s expansion of hatcheries and modernisation of post-harvest management.
Union Secretary Department of Fisheries Dr Abhilaksh Likhi highlighted that India’s cold-water fisheries encompassed more than 278 indigenous species, with 34 clusters — including those in Ladakh, J&K and Uttarakhand — notified for integrated regional development. Joint Secretary Sagar Mehra said investments of Rs 230 crore in the segment had significantly improved value-chain efficiency, and called for drone-supported logistics, IoT-enabled monitoring and modernised cold-chain systems for premium products.
The Union Minister, LG and Chief Minister jointly presented awards to outstanding fisheries cooperatives, progressive fish farmers, Kisan Credit Card beneficiaries and fisheries start-ups across J&K.
Among cooperative societies honoured were Jehlum Fisherman Cooperative Ltd Mahrajpora Sopore, Affarwat Trout Fish Farmers Cooperative Ltd Tangmarg and Bandi Trout Fish Cooperative Limited Kupwara. Progressive farmers recognised included Shakeel Mohd Teeli (Anantnag), Mehjoor Sultan Mir (Kupwara), Umer Akbar Dar (Pulwama), Zaid Ul Ahad (Srinagar) and Sara Bano (Srinagar).
Fisheries start-ups honoured included M/s Sheeshang Trouts Anantnag, M/s Springvalley Feed Mill Srinagar, M/s Fisheries Paradise Samba, M/s Rakesh Biofloc Jammu, M/s Kashmir Trout Srinagar and M/s Raina Trout Farm Ganderbal.
Refrigerated vehicles were distributed to five beneficiaries across Pulwama, Baramulla, Kulgam and Shopian, while three-wheeler vehicles for last-mile transport were distributed to five beneficiaries across Budgam, Baramulla, Anantnag and Kupwara.
The Model Guidelines for Cold-Water Fisheries and the Model Guidelines for Reservoir Fisheries and Aquaculture Management were also released on the occasion, providing a framework covering scientific seed stocking, cage and pen-based aquaculture, leasing and governance mechanisms, biodiversity conservation and value-chain linkages.
The conference saw participation of more than 10,000 attendees in hybrid mode, including senior officials from multiple Union Ministries, NABARD, NCDC, ICAR scientists, SKUAST-Kashmir faculty, fisheries cooperatives, industry representatives and start-ups.