Shimla, Mar 3 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a key player in the aquaculture sector, positioning itself as a leading exporter of high-quality rainbow trout eyed ova.
With its cold-water fisheries thriving, the state has become a vital supplier to Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, significantly boosting economic growth in the region, the spokesperson of the State Fishery Department informed here on Sunday.
The state’s progressive trout hatchery farmers have successfully provided 9.05 lakh rainbow trout eyed ova to Uttarakhand alone. This year, the Department of Fisheries has produced 12.60 lakh rainbow trout eyed ova and 1.74 lakh brown trout eyed ova across its eight government-run farms in Kullu, Mandi, and Chamba districts. With breeding still in progress, total eyed ova production is expected to surpass 20 lakh, a significant rise from last year’s 15.79 lakh in the government sector.
The private sector is also making strides, with nine hatcheries in Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmour districts collectively targeting 20 lakh eyed ova production.
This synergy between public and private sectors is expected to push overall trout production in the state from 1,402 metric tonnes in 2023-24 to an estimated 1,600 metric tonnes in 2024-25.
Such expansion is not only reinforcing Himachal’s dominance in aquaculture but also creating employment opportunities and strengthening the local economy.
The Fisheries Department has played a pivotal role in connecting farmers with new markets. Progressive farmers like Sher Singh (Mandi), Rajeev Jaswal (Joginder Nagar), and Sarla Negi (Kullu) have been instrumental in supplying eyed ova to other states.
In the coming week, an additional 3 lakh rainbow trout fries will be shipped by Sarla Negi, further solidifying Himachal’s role in inter-state aquaculture trade.
To enhance production capacity, the state government has introduced cold-water Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) at Patlikuhal Trout Farm in Kullu, along with a private-sector unit.
These modern facilities are expected to revolutionise cold-water aquaculture, ensuring sustainable production and long-term economic benefits.
Apart from rainbow trout, the state is also expanding brown trout ova production, essential for preserving biodiversity and promoting angling tourism.
The breeding of Norwegian and Danish strains of brown trout at Barot (Mandi) and Dhamwari (Shimla) has strengthened the state’s reputation as a prime angling destination, attracting 3,524 anglers by December 2024.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu lauded these achievements, stating, “Himachal Pradesh is not just excelling in aquaculture but also inspiring youth to explore this sector as a lucrative career.
By promoting scientific and sustainable fisheries, we are building a robust foundation for economic growth and national food security.”
Himachal Pradesh’s success in aquaculture is a testament to its strategic planning and commitment to sustainable fisheries. With rising production, expanding markets, and government-backed innovation, the state is on the path to becoming India’s aquaculture powerhouse.
UNI ML ARN