CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Jammu and Kashmir’s identity, long associated with apples, saffron and natural beauty, is now expected to be strengthened by the trout fish business as well. A modern trout fish farm established on the banks of the Sindh River in the Kangan area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district is likely to give a new direction to the industry.
The project aims to increase fish production, take Kashmir’s trout to markets in other parts of the country and create local employment opportunities.
The farm set up in the Chak Akhal area of Kangan is part of an initiative to take fish farming in Kashmir to a large commercial scale. It is being described as Asia’s largest trout farm. Modern aquaculture technology is being used in the project so that fish can be produced under controlled conditions.
Rainbow trout grow better in cold, clean and oxygen-rich water. Kashmir’s natural climate and mountain rivers provide favourable conditions for its farming. For this reason, Jammu and Kashmir has long been a major centre of trout production in the country.
The benefits of trout farming will not be limited only to selling fish. With higher production, work opportunities may also be created in areas such as fish care, technical operations, feed supply, processing, packaging, storage and transport. For local youth and small entrepreneurs, the business can provide new sources of income.
Private investment and the use of modern technology are also creating possibilities for increasing productivity in fish farming and establishing direct links with markets. This can strengthen the local economy and develop new employment options in rural areas.
To take Kashmir’s trout to customers in other states, a strong system of processing, packaging and safe transport will be necessary. Cold-chain facilities, refrigeration and proper storage will play an important role in maintaining the quality of fresh fish.
Companies linked to trout farming and processing in Kashmir are now moving towards building access to retail markets, the hotel and restaurant sector and other distribution channels. The modern facility in Ganderbal is expected to encourage this expansion. However, its availability across the country and the success of the business will depend on production capacity, transport costs, market demand and competition.
According to experts, along with large-scale trout production, it is important to focus on water quality, fish health and conservation of natural resources. To increase production, systems will have to be adopted that do not put unnecessary pressure on water resources and allow the business to continue over the long term.
For now, the Ganderbal farm is an important initiative towards making fisheries in Kashmir modern and market-oriented. If better coordination is established between production, technology, packaging and distribution, Kashmir’s trout can find a place in other markets of the country and open new employment avenues for local youth.
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