Increase in Trout fish production in Kashmir

Srinagar, June 8 : The trout fish production in Jammu and Kashmir has increased to about 100 metric tonnes, an official spokesman said.

The annual Trout fish, once the special feast of Royals, is no more an unaffordable commodity for common man as the Fisheries department has set up special sale centres at various places to provide fresh Trout fish to the consumers at subsidised rates.

About 42 tonnes of trout fish have been sold to the people during last year which include about 8,000 kg of Trout fish sold at the special sales counter at Gogribal, Srinagar.

The spokesman quoted the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Abdul Aziz Zargar saying that the state has tremendous potential for the development of both warm and cold water fishes as it is bestowed with enormous snowfed and springfed crystal clear water resources in the shape of rivers, streams and high altitude lakes.

The Minister said Trout fish farming provides both commercial and recreational dividends to the fish rearers as its angling is a fascinating source of recreation to the Anglers and visitors.

He said there are about 120 trout fishing beats spread over 40 streams and 12 high altitude lakes, which are stocked with Brown Trout.

Trout fish production is expected to increase five folds (about 500 tonnes) yearly after completion of the II phase of Kokernag National Trout Fish Farm, the Minister claimed.

UNI