Fish production surged in J&K since 2020: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Mar 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that the fish production in Jammu and Kashmir had surged since year 2020.

Addressing the national conference on cold water fisheries, organised by Department of Fisheries, Government of India, at Srinagar, LG Sinha in his keynote address highlighted the surge in fish production in J&K and infrastructure upgrades since 2020, reaffirming administration’s resolve to empower fish farmers and propel them toward lasting prosperity.

“J&K 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. Our strategic initiatives have positioned J&K as the leader in trout production across all cold-water states. Under Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), launched in 2022, Rs. 233 crore was allocated for fisheries to incentivize entrepreneurship, establish hatcheries, trout farming, and value-added ventures,” he said.

The LG said that over recent years, fish production and related infrastructure had seen substantial growth.

“Trout output rose from 1663 tonnes in FY 2021-22 to a record 2650 tonnes in 2024-25. Private sector trout units increased from 936 to 1649; hatcheries from one to nine; trout feed mills from zero to six by 2024; RAS units from two to nine; and biofloc units from 10 to 59,” he said.

LG Sinha thanked the Government of India for sanctioning a Rs 100 crore Integrated Aqua Park Project to be established in Anantnag district.

He said that this project would strengthen aquaculture infrastructure, boost cold-water fisheries development, increase fish production, and create employment opportunities in the region.

“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our focused efforts have made J&K the top trout producer among India’s cold-water states,” the LG said.

He said that the rapid economic-social progress of J&K demands relentless effort from every societal segment, especially our farmer brothers.

“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 honor their role with due respect, investment, and technology. Our citizens, workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and artists embody innovation and ready to craft a self-reliant tomorrow,” LG Sinha said.

He said that the fisheries sector faces challenges like 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, prioritize climate-resilient systems, disease diagnostics, and aquatic health management. Innovation in indigenous feeds and robust seed-feed supply chains are vital for Fisheries Sector,” the LG said.