Fishery Boost in Kashmir; Khull Chohar Unit Gets 2 New Trout Raceways Under 2025–26 Upgrade Plan | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced the upgradation of the Khull Chohar Fisheries Unit in Shangus constituency of Anantnag district, with a focus on improving infrastructure, productivity and operational efficiency.

The information was provided in response to Starred Assembly Question raised by MLA Reyaz Ahmad Khan, with the Agriculture Production Department confirming that the unit is already undergoing phased improvements.

“As part of the upgradation, two trout raceways have been established at the unit during the financial year 2025–26 under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP),” the government said.

To strengthen water availability, the department has also laid a 2-foot diameter pipeline from the source to the raceways to ensure adequate and reliable water flow, a critical requirement for trout farming.

The government, however, did not specify a consolidated financial outlay, detailed manpower deployment or a fixed timeline for full completion of the upgradation.

On livelihood support, the department stated that technical assistance, training and capacity-building programmes are already being extended to local fishermen and fish farmers.

“Regular capacity-building programmes under Human Resource Development are being conducted through various schemes including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (Kisan Sampark Abhiyan), Agricultural Technology Management Agency, and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme,” the reply said.

These initiatives are aimed at disseminating technical know-how, promoting improved aquaculture practices and strengthening livelihood opportunities in the fisheries sector.

The department added that such training and extension activities will continue during the financial year 2026–27, subject to availability of funds and in accordance with approved scheme guidelines.

The Khull Chohar Fisheries Unit is a key facility in south Kashmir’s trout production network, and its upgradation is expected to enhance fish output and support local livelihoods in the Shangus belt.