Himachal Pradesh Sees 15.70% Surge in Trout Production, Boosting Rural Livelihoods.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh has reported a significant increase of 15.70 percent in trout production for the fiscal year 2023-24, according to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The total production rose from 1,170.50 metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 1,388 metric tonnes this year, a notable improvement from 913.50 metric tonnes in 2021-22.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the rural economy, stating that thousands of families in the state rely on fisheries for their livelihoods, with 742 families currently engaged in trout production. He attributed the growth in production to the combined efforts of fishermen and supportive government policies.
Himachal Pradesh operates nine government trout hatcheries and six private ones that supply trout seeds to farmers. The fisheries department has also initiated training programs for fishermen on modern trout farming techniques, including a special camp in the remote Dodra Kwar area of Shimla district. Additional camps were conducted across Sirmaur, Shimla, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Kullu districts.
Notably, trout farming has reached commercial levels in Kullu and Mandi districts, with Himachali trout gaining popularity in five-star hotels in Chandigarh and Delhi. This trend is also positively impacting tourism in the state.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the cold, oxygen-rich waters of Himachal Pradesh create an ideal environment for trout farming, positioning the state as a leader in national trout production. He announced plans for a Trout Brood Bank in Patlikuhl, Kullu district, aimed at providing high-yielding brood-stock and enhancing overall trout production, further benefiting local farmers.
