Low water levels affecting Kashmir's trout production

Kokernag (J-K), Jan 25 (ANI): Trout fish production at the Kokernag fish farm in Jammu and Kashmir is likely to be affected by decreasing water levels.

The State Fisheries Department set up the trout fish-farming project at Kokernag with the assistance of the European Economic Community in 1984. The project was the successful at one time that it became as Asia's largest trout farm.

Since then Kokernag farm has consistently restocked trout fish in the valley's streams, and the production had increased manifold.

But this year, these streams have much lowered water levels, which have badly affected fish farm production.

"The water here is bacteria-free. Hence the government started up with a fishing project, which is supposed to be Asia's biggest fishing project. But presently the conditions are quite unfavourable. The water levels are decreasing. It seems that the project might shut down over the next few days," said Bilal Ahmad, a resident.

According to the director of the fisheries department, the water level has decreased due to less rainfall.

"This year, as we have received less rainfall, the production of fishes is comparatively going to decrease because more the water flows, the more the production would be. We are trying our level best by circulating water through pipes so that the water level remains balanced. But the scarcity of water is likely to remain," said T. Anchouk, Director, Department of Fisheries, Jammu and Kashmir.

Trout is a highly nutritious fish. An average-sized trout contains about 1.8 grams of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that is needed for the development of brain and retina in infants. (ANI)