This initiative is part of Project No. 22 of the Trout Cluster Programme, focused on the districts of Ganderbal and Anantnag.
Khyber Aquaculture
Khyber Aquaculture, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries of Jammu and Kashmir (India), has carried out a new training programme to help local farmers cultivate trout using more modern and sustainable aquaculture strategies.
This initiative is part of Project No. 22 of the Trout Cluster Programme, focused on the districts of Ganderbal and Anantnag. It is also part of the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP), which aims to transform traditional trout farming into a more scientific, efficient, and resilient activity.
During the first intensive training session, titled 'Sustainable Trout Aquaculture and Fish Health Management,' participants learned about biosecurity, water quality management, responsible aquaculture, early disease detection, and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) through a series of different modules.
A key aspect of the session was the emphasis placed on routine water quality monitoring, stress reduction, and early warning systems to safeguard fish health, promoting a more proactive and prevention-oriented approach to aquaculture management.
Finally, the interactive nature of the session provided participants with an opportunity to share their real-life challenges and experiences, while identifying practical solutions to improve survival rates, growth, and the overall efficiency of their farms.
"Capacity building is the cornerstone of a resilient trout sector. By fostering collaboration between farmers, government institutions, and technical experts, we can build a sustainable cold-water aquaculture ecosystem that supports livelihoods, food security, and rural enterprise development in Jammu & Kashmir," said Mr Umar Tramboo, CMD, Khyber Aquaculture.
Khyber Aquaculture's main aquaculture facility is located in Akhal (Chek Akhal), Kangan, along the Sindh River. The Jammu and Kashmir region is closely associated with cold-water trout production, as it offers highly favourable natural conditions for this type of farming.