SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday stressed the need to adopt advanced scientific techniques, modern infrastructure and value-addition measures to enhance cold water fisheries production in Jammu and Kashmir while ensuring sustainability and livelihood security for fish farmers.
Addressing the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar, Abdullah said science and innovation must guide the future development of the sector and help local producers remain competitive.
The conference, organised by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, brought together policymakers, researchers and stakeholders from several states to discuss ways to sustainably harness the potential of India’s cold water fisheries.
Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Fisheries S. P. Singh Baghel and Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Production Minister Javid Ahmad Dar were among those present.
Welcoming the delegates, Abdullah thanked the Government of India for choosing Jammu and Kashmir to host the conference and said it provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge and learn emerging practices in aquaculture. He noted that while cold water fisheries have traditionally been associated with mountainous regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, technological innovations are expanding the sector’s potential.
Citing an example of advanced aquaculture techniques enabling trout production in warmer climates, the Chief Minister said regions like Jammu and Kashmir must upgrade methods and infrastructure to maintain their advantage in the sector.
He emphasised the government’s responsibility to support fishermen and aquaculture entrepreneurs by improving production facilities, strengthening infrastructure in remote areas and developing post-harvest value chains.
Abdullah also cautioned that growth in fisheries must be balanced with environmental protection. He said climate change is increasingly affecting agriculture, horticulture and fisheries, pointing to unusual weather patterns in Srinagar and early flowering of trees this year as warning signs.
Highlighting Kashmir’s long association with trout farming, the Chief Minister said the fish was first introduced in the region more than a century ago and the experience gained over decades should be shared with other states while adopting best practices from regions such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the North-East.
During the event, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced that an Integrated Aquaculture Park would be developed at Kokernag in Anantnag district to strengthen the fisheries sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The conference was attended by experts and officials from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and several other states, focusing on collaborative strategies to promote sustainable growth in cold water fisheries and improve livelihoods in mountainous regions.
