Srinagar, March 14 Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Saturday that Jammu and Kashmir has the potential for integrated fisheries development, which can generate jobs and boost the income of fish farmers.
"Jammu and Kashmir holds promise as a national model for integrated fisheries development. The value-chain approach will generate jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost the incomes of fish farmers," Sinha said while addressing the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries, organized by the Department of Fisheries here.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD) and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, was present at the event.
Sinha highlighted the remarkable surge in fish production in the Union Territory and infrastructure upgrades since 2020, reaffirming the administration's resolve to empower fish farmers.
"Our strategic initiatives have positioned J&K as the leader in trout production across all cold-water states. Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), launched in 2022, Rs 233 crore was allocated for fisheries to incentivize entrepreneurship, establish hatcheries, trout farming & value-added ventures," he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that over recent years, fish production and related infrastructure have seen substantial growth.
"Trout output rose from 1,663 tons in FY 2021-22 to a record 2,650 tons in 2024-25. Private sector trout units increased from 936 to 1,649; hatcheries from 1 to 9; trout feed mills from 'zero' to 6 by 2024; RAS units from 2 to 9; and biofloc units from 10 to 59," he said.
Sinha expressed gratitude to the central government for sanctioning a Rs 100 crore Integrated Aqua Park Project to be established in Anantnag district.
This project will strengthen aquaculture infrastructure, boost cold-water fisheries development, increase fish production and create employment opportunities in the region.
"Under the guidance of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, our focused efforts have made Jammu and Kashmir the top trout producer among India's cold-water states," he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the rapid economic-social progress of Jammu and Kashmir demands relentless effort from every societal segment, especially our farmer brothers.
"At the heart of development lies our vibrant farming community, who are not mere producers, but the bedrock of our identity and economy. Now is the time to honor their role with due respect, investment, and technology," he added.
Sinha said the Fisheries Sector faces challenges like climate change impacts, rising water temperatures, water scarcity, slow growth of native species, and fish health risks.
"To unlock its full potential, we must advance cold-water agriculture scientifically, genetically improve trout and carp breeds, prioritize climate-resilient systems, disease diagnostics, and aquatic health management. Innovation in indigenous feeds and robust seed-feed supply chains are vital for the Fisheries Sector," he said.