Srinagar
In a first in India, Jammu and Kashmir state imported genetically modified Rainbow Trout Seed from Denmark after 119 years to boost annual production from 500 to 5000 tonnes over the next five years.
Principal Secretary Animal, Sheep and Fisheries Department Dr Asghar Hassan Samoon shared the information after inaugurating the hatchery meant for the rearing of genetically improved Rainbow Trout Fish on Saturday here at Beerwah Budgam.
“On the occasion, Dr Samoon said that the seed will be reared up to brood in the facility and then it will be distributed among fish farmers and other hatcheries of the department,” an official statement said.
“We can now produce table size fishes of this variety within 12 to 14 months in comparison to 24 months earlier. It will boost the production and revenue of farmers. J&K state is blessed with abundant freshwater resources which are favourable for rainbow trout fish. It is our endeavor to tap the local potential for lessening the import bill of state on food products,” he said.
He added that genetically modified rainbow trout will have more muscle mass and will increase the efficiency of aquaculture in the state.
A consignment of 2.25 lakh Eyed Ova Rainbow Trout imported from Billud in Denmark River Roheamger were successfully put in for production of broodstock in the state, he said.
He also said that he is hopeful that with the introduction of Rainbow Trout fish, more and more entrepreneurs will get attracted towards the fish farming due to its high returns.
Dr Samoon also directed the officials to create awareness regarding the high returns of fish farming among the youth.
“We will provide the marketing support to the aspiring entrepreneurs, besides providing them subsidy on seed and feed so that they can successfully run fish rearing ventures,” he said.
He also called for proper maintenance of the hatchery which gets constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 42 lakh.
Meanwhile, on the occasion, Dr Samoon also distributed three auto rickshaws for fishermen of District Srinagar and Ganderbal for efficient marketing of their fish produce. He also gave Rs one lakh cheque each to two beneficiaries as accidental insurance.
Dr Samoon also laid the foundation stone of District Laboratory, Operation Theater cum indoor facility complex at Budgam which would be constructed at a cost of Rs 95 lakh. The facility will cater to existing cattle population of 1, 42000 of the district.
Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon also released a manual, written in the Urdu language, for prevention of scheduled diseases in livestock.
