October 10, 2007

 

Kashmir eager to develop trout industry

 

 

Kashmir, which claims to having Asia's largest fish farming project, is eager to expand trout production and tap markets abroad, according to local media Greater Kashmir.

 

After achieving success in trout breeding, Kashmir's Department of Fisheries has over the years ensured that the trout, once considered a royal food, reaches the masses.

 

Dr NA Jan former Commissioner Fisheries said trout is in huge demand in Kashmir.

 

It was in 1985-86 that a Trout Fish Farming Project, with assistance of European Economic Community (EEC) was established at Kokernag in Islamabad district.

 

With upgraded infrastructure, the region has been constantly able to produce over 100 tonnes of trout annually from 28 rearing and breeding units.

 

Kokernag has turned out to be Asia's largest fish farming project, according to Asifa Khan, senior project officer Department of Fisheries told Greater Kashmir.

 

As rearing units were located in far away places, it caused inconvenience to people, Asifa said.

 

The Department thus uses special vehicles designed to ferry live trout from rearing units to storage tanks where it is then supplied to a other locations.

 

The department has also established feed mills to manufacture finished trout feed depending on the size of the fish.

 

While the quality of feed and trout is undoubtedly good, the industry still has a long way towards strengthening its infrastructure such as cold storage facilities if it wants to export to other states and abroad, she said.