SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Saturday inaugurated a Floating Trout Feed Manufacturing Plant at the Trout Fish Farming Project (TFFP) in Kokernag, area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
It is stablished under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) at an estimated cost of Rs 2.5 crore.
The minister said the plant, with a production capacity of 400 kilograms per hour, would ensure the availability of high-quality feed for trout farming across the region, significantly improving fish production and supporting the rural economy.
Dar was accompanied by MLAs Zafar Ali Khatana, Gulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir, Reyaz Ahmad Khan, Abdul Majid Bhat and Altaf Ahmad Wani, along with Director Fisheries, JK, Abdul Majid Tak, and senior officials from the Agriculture Production, Mechanical Engineering and allied departments.
After inaugurating the facility, the minister inspected the Kokernag Trout Fish Farm, where he reviewed breeding and cultivation operations and interacted with officials and local fish farmers to assess ongoing initiatives.
Later, he visited Kathsoo, Pahalgam, and laid the foundation stone of a NABARD-assisted Trout Fish Farming Project. He also met fish farmers and beneficiaries, seeking their feedback to promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
Speaking to media persons, Dar said the fisheries sector has vast potential for job creation and could emerge as a key driver of economic growth in rural areas. He emphasised the government’s commitment to modernising aquaculture infrastructure and supporting farmers through innovation and skill development.
