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Indian state imports rainbow trout eggs from Denmark

In order to meet the demand for fish, Indian state Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) will be importing rainbow trout seed from Denmark.

With the import, the state will be able to produce fish in just 12 to 14 months, as compared to other varieties of fish that takes around 24 months to harvest.

This import will also help J&K meet a target of 5,000 tons in the next five years – a far cry from the 500 tons it is producing today.

Speaking on this, principal secretary for Animal, Sheep and Fisheries Department Dr. Asghar Hassan Samoon said these imported seeds will be reared up to brood in the facility. They will then be distributed among fish farmers and other hatcheries of the department.

“The state has huge resources of fresh water that is favorable for rainbow trout farming. Looking at this we have decided to tap this. We believe that our fish demand can be met, if we utilize our resources and plan properly,” Samoon said.

The first consignment of 225,000 eyed ova rainbow trout  was imported from Billund in Denmark Rever Roheamger, which was implemented successfully for broodstock production in the state.

This will add to the state’s fish production, as the state already has 533 units of trout farms in the private sector, of which there are 59 trout rearing units and hatcheries.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Samoon on behalf of the J&K government with the government of Denmark for the transfer of recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technology, automatic feeds, brood equipment and for rearing trout for export purposes.

After signing the MoU, Samoon said with the introduction of rainbow trout fish, he hopes more entrepreneurs will move towards fish farming due to its high returns.

“Our department is also creating awareness in the state and helping youth know the benefits of trout fish farming. Other than this, we will also provide the marketing support to the aspiring entrepreneurs besides seeds and feed on subsidy to them so that they can successfully run fish rearing ventures,” he added.

The state is also investing funds to develop fisheries infrastructure in the city and state, under which the department will be spending US$60,000 on proper maintenance of the hatchery.