J&K’s fisheries make a big splash

Srinagar, Jan 10: Jammu and Kashmir’s fisheries sector has recorded significant expansion over the past decade, led by a sharp surge in trout production, which has risen more than eightfold to 2650 metric tonnes, while carp production, major, exotic and minor has reached 13,245 metric tonnes, official data shows.

The Fisheries revenue has nearly doubled from Rs 5.91 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 10.29 crore in 2024-25.

ANANTNAG LEADS TROUT PRODUCTION ACROSS J&K

Trout production, which stood at just 298 tonnes in 2015-16, experienced steady growth, particularly after the 2019-20 season.

The output rose to 1663 tonnes in 2021-22, 1990 tonnes in 2022-23, 2380 tonnes in 2023-24, and finally reached 2650 tonnes in 2024-25.

The revenue from trout followed a similar upward trend, increasing from Rs 2.76 crore to Rs 4.75 crore during the period.

In the Kashmir division, trout production in 2024-25 was led by Anantnag with 515.9 tonnes, followed by Ganderbal at 256.5 tonnes, Bandipora at 252.3 tonnes, and Kulgam at 239.7 tonnes.

Srinagar produced 196.6 tonnes, Budgam 184.1 tonnes, Pulwama 179.4 tonnes, Baramulla 160.1 tonnes, and Kupwara 157.5 tonnes.

Shopian recorded the lowest output at 8.8 tonnes.

The total trout output from the Kashmir division stood at 2151 tonnes or 81.18 percent of J&K production.

In the Jammu division, trout production was nil in Jammu and Samba districts.

Among trout-producing districts, Doda contributed 131.9 tonnes, followed by Kishtwar at 118.5 tonnes, and Ramban at 79.8 tonnes.

Rajouri produced 69.7 tonnes, Poonch 41.9 tonnes, Reasi 22.5 tonnes, Udhampur 21 tonnes, and Kathua 131 13.1 tonnes.

The Jammu division contributed 498.6 tonnes or 18.82 percent of J&K production, taking J&K’s total trout production to 2650 tonnes.

Private investment has been a key driver of the expansion.

Private trout-rearing units increased from 388 in 2015-16 to 1649 in 2024-25, with more than 800 private farms operating in Kashmir.

Anantnag was declared the Trout Fish District of India in 2018.

Kulgam district received the Best Union Territory District award for fisheries in November 2024 for boosting trout and other fish production, implementing welfare schemes and empowering local fish farmers.

The award was presented by the Union Minister for Fisheries at the World Fisheries Day event.

The major trout-rich water bodies include Lidder, Brengi, Vaishaw, Rambiara, Aharbal, Hirpora, Dachigam, Naristan, Aaripal, Wangath, Gurez, Hamal, Lam, Sindh, Kishanganga, Sukhnag, Doodhganga, Erin, Ferozepur Tangmarg, Madhumati, and Nowbugh.

BANDIPORA LEADS CARP PRODUCTION ACROSS J&K

Carp production rose sharply from 20.18 tonnes in 2015-16 to 13,245 tonnes in 2024-25, aided by improved seed quality, private sector participation, and targeted government schemes. In the Kashmir division, Bandipora led carp production in 2024-25 with 2396.5 tonnes, followed by Kupwara at 1392.4 tonnes.

Srinagar produced 840.1 tonnes, Ganderbal 335.6 tonnes, Budgam 238.6 tonnes, Pulwama 263.9 tonnes, Kulgam 189.8 tonnes, Anantnag 140.6 tonnes, Baramulla 169.2 tonnes, and Shopian 16.9 tonnes.

Total carp production in Kashmir stood at 6388 tonnes.

In the Jammu division, Jammu district led carp output with 2358 tonnes, followed by Kathua at 1302 tonnes, and Rajouri at 1002 tonnes.

Udhampur produced 635 tonnes, Poonch 470.9 tonnes, Samba 386 tonnes, Reasi 353.4 tonnes, Doda 227.8 tonnes, Kishtwar 117 tonnes, and Ramban 2.8 tonnes.

The Jammu division’s carp output totalled 6856 tonnes, taking J&K’s overall carp production to 13,245 tonnes.

Officials said Wular Lake alone contributes nearly 60 percent of Kashmir’s total fish catch, with carp production from the lake touching 3379 tonnes in 2023-24.

Experts attributed the sustained rise in fish production to the rapid expansion of private fish-rearing units backed by strong government support and welfare schemes.

Assistant Director Fisheries, Anantnag, Shabir Ahmad said, “The fish production increased manifold after the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in 2019-20. The scheme also provides technical support and financial assistance to marginal fishermen.”

He said that under welfare initiatives, fishermen were provided low-cost houses and one-time financial assistance.

“The Fisheries Department also deposits Rs 3000 annually in their accounts, and fishermen as well as private farm owners are covered under the Group Accidental Insurance Scheme,” Ahmad said.

He said that technological advancements had further improved productivity and survival rates.

“The survival rate of fish, both in captivity and in the wild, has improved with the use of modern technology and the import of quality seed. Growth is faster, mortality is lower, and resistance to disease is higher,” Ahmad said.

He said the central government’s funding to the fisheries sector has also led to a substantial increase in private fish production as well as seed production.

Officials said the introduction of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems and Biofloc technology has further boosted productivity. RAS units increased from two in 2021-22 to 46 in 2024-25, while Biofloc units rose from two in 2020-21 to 59.

The Fisheries Department now aims to make Jammu and Kashmir self-sufficient in fish production, targeting 4000 tonnes of trout output through modernised hatcheries, improved post-harvest management, and enhanced export potential.