Srinagar, Apri 6 : Trout farming is gaining popularity in Kashmir valley as farmers aim to increase overall production in the state.
Kashmir Valley, which is famous for trout, is also known as an angler's paradise due to the abundance of the fish. A large number of locals and foreigners also indulge in trout farming.
The breeding of trout fishes is taking place in Laribal fisheries farm located at Dachigam national park.
Speaking to reporters, Shabir Ahmad, a fish breeder, said : “This year we have got very good eggs. The breeding season for this starts from 15 November and it lasts ntill mid March.
" We have take a lot of precautions as we we have to wear masks and go there so that the cycle of the eggs remains the same and the eggs are not adversely affected,” said Ahmad.
Breading is a crucial part of the production process because even a minor mistake can affect fish production.
During breeding, when eggs of the trouts are put on the trays, medicines are apllied, water level is maintained and dead eggs are removed.
Dachigam fish farm manager Imtiyaz Ahmad said increase in production will in rise of revenues.
“We were given a revenue of Rs 20 lakhs this year we will have to enhance it by ten percent", he said.
The breeding time for trouts is four to five months and the perfect time for breading of trout fish starts from November and concludes in March.
Trout, both brown and the rainbow species, are a coldwater fish found aplenty in the Rivers Beas, Sutlej and Ravi flowing through Jammu and Kashmir from the upper reaches of Himalayan range.
Trout, a highly nutritious fish, is said to have been introduced in the Kashmir Valley by the British for angling during the colonial rule.
Subsequently, the first trout hatchery was established at Harwan, situated on the outskirts of summer capital Srinagar in 1901.
Dachigam on the outskirts of Srinagar. It has streams abounding in ice-cold crystal waters, ideal for cultivating trouts.
