Srinagar, Mar 17: The fisheries sector in J&K has recorded steady growth, achieving fish production of 29.40 thousand metric tonnes in 2024–25 and 21,680 metric tonnes up to November 2025, with trout farming emerging as a major contributor to the expansion.
Official data indicates that the sector has witnessed a consistent upward trajectory in recent years, supported by government interventions, infrastructure development and increasing private participation. The administration is now focusing on doubling fish production by modernising hatcheries, improving post-harvest management and adopting advanced aquaculture technologies such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and biofloc systems to enhance productivity and export potential.
Jammu and Kashmir’s total fish production reached 28,000 metric tonnes in 2023–24, up from 25,000 metric tonnes in 2022, while 19,530 metric tonnes had already been achieved by November 2024, reflecting sustained momentum in the sector.
The growth has been particularly pronounced in trout farming, which has emerged as a high-value segment within the fisheries sector. Trout production has increased sharply over the past few years, rising from around 598 metric tonnes in 2019 to nearly 2,000 metric tonnes in 2022–23, marking a more than threefold increase.
The expansion of infrastructure has played a key role in this growth. Trout output rose from 1,663 tonnes in FY 2021–22 to a record 2,650 tonnes in 2024–25. During the same period, private trout farming units increased from 936 to 1,649, hatcheries expanded from one to nine and trout feed mills from zero to six. Similarly, RAS units grew from two to nine, while biofloc units increased from 10 to 59.
The sector’s growth is also reflected in the rising number of entrepreneurs entering fish farming. Currently, there are over 800 private trout farming units across Kashmir, supported by abundant cold-water resources such as Lidder, Sindh, Kishenganga, Doodhganga and other streams ideal for trout cultivation.
In districts like Anantnag, Baramulla, Ganderbal and Srinagar, fisheries farms have expanded significantly with government support. Anantnag, which was declared the Trout Fish District of India in 2018, continues to play a central role in the region’s trout production.
Officials said the sector has emerged as an important contributor to the local economy, generating employment and improving rural livelihoods. Success stories of young entrepreneurs taking up fish farming further highlight its potential as a sustainable income source.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that fish production in Jammu and Kashmir has surged since 2020, attributing the growth to targeted policy measures and infrastructure upgrades.
Addressing a national conference on cold water fisheries in Srinagar, he said the Union Territory has the potential to become a national model for integrated fisheries development, with a strong value-chain approach helping generate jobs, reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ incomes.
He also highlighted that under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme launched in 2022, Rs 233 crore has been allocated for fisheries development to promote entrepreneurship, establish hatcheries and expand trout farming.
Sinha further noted that the Government of India has sanctioned a Rs 100 crore Integrated Aqua Park Project in Anantnag, which is expected to strengthen aquaculture infrastructure, boost production and create employment opportunities.
With continued investment, technological adoption and policy support, the fisheries sector in Jammu and Kashmir is poised for further expansion, with trout farming expected to remain at the forefront of this growth.
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