Harness employment potential in fisheries sector, says Agri Minister

Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development, Javed Ahmad Dar, emphasised the need to harness the vast employment potential in Jammu and Kashmir’s fisheries sector during his visit to the Trout Fish Farm in Mammer. The visit was aimed at reviewing the farm’s operations and assessing developments in the fisheries sector.

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Accompanied by Kangan MLA Mian Mehar Ali and other officials, the Minister highlighted the sector’s significant potential for both employment and economic growth. He urged the youth to consider fish farming as a sustainable economic activity.

Addressing the need for increased technical awareness among private fish farmers, the Minister directed officials to conduct regular field visits and educate farmers about modern fish culture practices. He also encouraged young people to engage in fish farming, particularly under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), which could serve as a viable employment avenue.

Earlier, the Minister visited Khyber Aquaculture at Akhal, Kangan, where he reviewed the infrastructure developed by the private company for raising Rainbow Trout using the advanced Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS). The Minister praised the facility for its eco-friendly practices and state-of-the-art machinery aimed at promoting sustainable trout farming.

Commending the efforts of private entrepreneurs, Javed stressed the importance of the private sector in bolstering the region’s economy. He noted that initiatives like Khyber Aquaculture would not only strengthen the local economy but also create jobs and promote environmentally conscious aquaculture practices.

During the visit, Director Fisheries, Abdul Majid Tak, Assistant Director Fisheries Ganderbal, and other officials briefed the Minister on the farm’s operations. It was shared that the Trout Fish Farm in Mammer produced 7 tons of trout fish and 1.5 lakh fish seeds in 2024-25, with an expected seed production of 2 lakh for the current year.

The Minister was also informed that private sector contributions in Ganderbal included 50 tons of trout fish and 20 tons of carp, produced across 140 operational trout and carp ponds. Additionally, 200 angling permits were issued this year to promote recreational fishing.

The Director Fisheries further reported that live feed seeds from the farm are being supplied to districts in Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh.