Launches trout stocking, throws opens feed plant
Anantnag, Kulgam, November 01: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar today visited Trout Fish Farming Project (TFFP), Kokernag and inaugurated ‘Floating Trout Feed Manufacturing Plant/Mill’, established under Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.5 crores.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA Kokernag, Zafar Ali Khatana; MLA, Rajpora, Gulam Mohi uddin Mir; MLA, Shangus-Anantnag East, Reyaz Ahmad Khan; MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majid Bhat; MLA, Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani; Director Fisheries, J&K, Abdul Majid Tak and other senior officers of the Agriculture Production and Mechanical Engineering and allied departments.
Significantly, the newly established plant has a production capacity of 400 kilograms per hour, aimed at catering to the growing requirement of quality feed for trout farming across the region.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of these events, the Minister said that the newly inaugurated trout feed manufacturing plant at Kokernag will play a vital role in ensuring the availability of high-quality feed, thereby improving trout production across South Kashmir. He emphasized that the fisheries sector has immense potential for employment generation and can become a key contributor to the rural economy in the near future.
Following the inauguration, the Minister inspected Kokernag Trout Fish Farm, where he was briefed about the ongoing trout cultivation activities and modern techniques being adopted for enhancing production. He also inspected the breeding section of the farm and interacted with officials and fish farmers.
Later, the Minister visited Kathsoo, Pahalgam and laid foundation stone of NABARD-Assisted Trout Fish Farming Project.
During the visit, he interacted with fish farmers and beneficiaries, seeking their feedback and suggestions for promoting sustainable fish farming practices. He also inspected the ongoing works under the project.
Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar also visited Kulgam and launched stocking of imported Brown Trout seed across various streams of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking after the launch, the Minister highlighted immense potential of trout farming in the region, noting that it can play significant role in boosting local economy and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
He emphasized that the Government is promoting aquaculture and self-employment avenues aimed at empowering youth and strengthening the economy through innovative livelihood initiatives.
During the launch, the Minister was informed that around 3 lakh imported Brown Trout seeds from Denmark, developed and reared at the Trout Hatchery in Tchanser Kulgam, will now be stocked across different streams of Jammu and Kashmir to enhance fish production.
DDC Chairperson, Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey; MLA Devsar, Peerzada Feroze; Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan; Director Fisheries Abdul Majeed Tak and other senior officers from the district administration and Fisheries department were also present on the occasion.
