Srinagar, Oct 18: Jammu and Kashmir’s trout farming sector is among the key beneficiaries of the Centre’s push to expand coldwater fisheries in the Himalayan region, with Anantnag notified as a dedicated fisheries cluster and trout production in the Union Territory reaching 3,010 metric tonnes in 2025–26.
The development comes as Union Fisheries Secretary Dr Abhilaksh Likhi visited Munsiyari in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district on October 18 to review coldwater aquaculture initiatives and interact with trout farmers. During the visit, he highlighted the importance of coldwater fisheries in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and other Himalayan regions for livelihood diversification, nutritional security and export potential.
According to the Department of Fisheries, the Centre has invested more than Rs 2,299 crore in coldwater fisheries under various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), to develop infrastructure such as trout-rearing raceways, hatcheries, feed mills, cold-storage facilities and post-harvest facilities.
Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as India’s leading trout-producing region, with production increasing from 298 metric tonnes in 2015–16 to 3,010 metric tonnes in 2025–26, according to figures released by the Centre. The growth reflects the sector’s expanding role in the Union Territory’s fisheries economy.
Jammu and Kashmir has also been allocated Rs 149.73 crore for fisheries projects under PMMSY, while an Integrated Aqua Park at Anantnag is among the infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening production, processing, cold-chain facilities and marketing. The Centre has also sanctioned trout-rearing units, hatcheries, feed mills, fish kiosks and refrigerated transport to support the sector.
The development of coldwater fisheries is expected to create opportunities for fish farmers in remote and mountainous areas, where suitable streams and water conditions support trout cultivation. Improved hatchery facilities, scientific farming practices, feed availability, storage and transport infrastructure remain important to expanding production and ensuring better market access.
The Centre has identified four coldwater fisheries clusters in Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir, Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, Kargil in Ladakh and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. The cluster-based approach is intended to strengthen production and value chains in regions with potential for coldwater aquaculture.
