Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a leading exporter of high-quality rainbow trout eyed ova, supplying to States such as Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Under various schemes, progressive trout hatchery farmers have successfully provided 9.05 lakh rainbow trout eyed ova to Uttarakhand alone.
This year, the Department of Fisheries has produced 12.60 lakh rainbow trout eyed ova and 1.74 lakh brown trout eyed ova from its eight government run farms, located at Patlikuhal and Hamni in Kullu district, at Barot in Mandi Thalla, Holi and Bhandal in Chamba district. With breeding still in progress, total eyed ova production is expect to surpass 20 lakh, a significant increase from last year’s 15.79 lakh in the government sector.
Additionally, the private sector is expecting to contribute an equivalent volume, with nine functional hatcheries in Kullu, Mandi and Sirmour districts collectively targeting a production of 20 lakh eyed ova. Overall trout production in the State, which stood at 1,402 metric tonnes in the financial year 2023-24, is project to reach 1,600 metric tonnes in the financial year 2024-25.
The Department has actively supported farmers in Kullu in supplying eyed ova to Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Progressive farmers such as Sher Singh of village Swad in Mandi district and Rajeev Jaswal of village Shanan of Joginder Nagar area in Mandi district and Sarla Negi of village Fojal in Kullu district have contributed significantly.
To further boost rainbow trout production in the State’s cold-water regions, the Fisheries Department, under the directives of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has established a cold-water Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) unit at the Trout Farm in Patlikuhal, Kullu.
A similar unit has been set up in the private sector and both are now operational. These initiatives are expect to immensely enhance cold-water aquaculture in the State, stated Vivek Chandel, director of the Fisheries department.
In the coming week, an additional 3 lakh rainbow trout fries are sh by Sarla Negi of District Kullu, further strengthening aquaculture initiatives in Uttarakhand. This collaborative effort between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is set to revolutionize the sector, ensures sustainable livelihoods and food security.
Apart from rainbow trout, the State has also seen a rise in brown trout ova production, which plays a crucial role in angling tourism. Brown trout, a slow-growing species, is mainly produce for ranching in state waters to preserve biodiversity and boost angling tourism.
Due to these focused efforts, Himachal Pradesh attracted 3,524 anglers by December 2024, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for angling tourism. These achievements underscore the Department’s commitment to promoting aquaculture and fisheries development, establishing the state as a leader in rainbow trout eyed ova production and sustainable fisheries.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu remarked, “The Department of Fisheries’ initiatives have not only boosted aquaculture production but have also inspired the youth of the State to explore opportunities in the sector.
By promoting sustainable and scientific aquaculture practices, we are empowering the next generation of farmers to contribute to national food security and economic growth.”
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
