Kashmir is known for its world-famous lakes and rivers, which are distributed throughout the valley. The lakes in Kashmir, such as Wular lake and Dal lake, are mostly used for fishing purposes. These water bodies act as habitats for many carp species, such as common carp, grass carp and silver carp. Apart from these fishes, other clear cold water fish species (trout fish) are found in clear cold and lotic water bodies of Kashmir.
In this work, the author explores Kashmir valley’s potential for trout farming and argues that the sector should be systematically explored for economic prosperity and employment of the youth.
History of trout farming in Kashmir and the worldÂ
One of the earliest methods of commercial fish production, trout farming, has been around for quite some time. It has a history of over 400 years in Europe and of over 150 years in the United States. Trout are farmed for both the food and sports markets. The most popular fish for farming is the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Apart from this, brown trout (Salmo trutta) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are other fish species. The rainbow trout’s natural habitats are the rivers of North America and Europe. The brown trout was originally found in the streams of Europe. Moreover, trout are currently cultured in waters all over the world due to their high demand as both a sport fish and a food fish. Raceways or ponds with a constant supply of running water are ideal for trout farming. Some, however, are bred in closed environments with constant recirculation of water. Trout fish spawn in gravel-bottomed, chilly streams with plenty of oxygen, areas typically associated with the headwaters of river systems. There is a three-year sexual development period for wild trout, which is two years for domestic brood stock. After shrimp (which makes up 15% of overall trade), trout and salmon (14%) are the most widely traded fish species in the world. A total of 6.4% (4 million tonnes) of the world’s total aquaculture output comes from salmon, trout, and other diadromous species. In 2011, the total amount of salmon and trout produced worldwide was 1,112,988 tonnes. For rainbow trout, Chile is the largest producer, followed by Norway, Iran, Italy, and France. Italy produces the most in the European Union at 38,000 tonnes, followed by France and Denmark at roughly 33,000 tonnes each. Due to favourable climatic factors, the only areas in India suitable for trout farming are the upper Himalayas and the Western Ghats.
How trout came to Kashmir
The absence of trout, a popular dish in their homeland, made British colonists in India homesick. A dedicated crew from Britain set out to introduce trout to streams in India so that Britishers may finally satisfy their cravings for the fish. Due to the generosity of the Duke of Bedford, Kashmir received its first shipment of trout eggs in the year 1899. Trout is one of the most sought-after fish in the world. The majority of India’s trout come from Jammu and Kashmir, mainly the Kashmir region. The colder water of lakes and rivers is more suitable as a habitat for them. Although there are marine forms of some of its species, the subtle flavour of freshwater trout differs significantly between species.
Health Benefits Of Trout FishÂ
Trout has a wide range of health benefits and is a good choice for a nutritious diet. Depending on what they consume, their meat can be any shade from white to pink to red. Brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, brook trout, arctic char, and grayling are just a few of the wide varieties of trout. Fishing for trout has a low impact on the environment. Omega-3 fatty acids vitamins B6, niacin, B12, phosphorus, and selenium are all present in this fish, making it an exceptionally healthy option.
Getting enough protein is more crucial than ever before because of the rising cost of healthcare. Consuming sufficient amounts of protein is essential for both muscle growth and weight maintenance. At any age, but especially if you’ve been hitting the gym and trying to get in shape, getting enough protein in your diet is crucial. Without enough protein, you won’t have the stamina to get through your workouts or day-to-day activities without sacrificing muscle mass.
A healthy heart relies heavily on omega-3 fatty acids. So, we depend on our heart’s tireless pumping of blood to keep us alive more than any other bodily function. Many factors, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate hydration, and sufficient rest, contribute to a healthy heart. Though eating fish won’t help you meet your water or exercise goals, it will help you make healthier food choices. Omega-3 fatty acids found in trout are beneficial to your memory and brain, lowering inflammation and protecting you from developing heart disease in old age.
Niacin is a crucial mineral since it aids in the metabolism of food into energy and also has a role in how our digestive, skin, and brain systems work. It may feel terrible for no apparent reason if you’ve ever experienced intestinal problems. It’s crucial to have a healthy digestive system because problems with it can cause you to feel bloated, tired, and unable to get anything done. In this regard, eating trout fish, among other nutritious foods, can be helpful.
The potential of trout farming in Kashmir
Trout farms can flourish in the area’s rivers and streams and trout can be produced in a wide variety of waterways, including managed lakes, rivers, and even man-made raceways. The following data indicate that Jammu and Kashmir fulfills all these requirements. A total of 2781 Km of rivers and canals, 700000 hectares of reservoirs, 17000 hectares of tanks and ponds, and 60000 hectares of floodplain lakes/derelict waters add up to the UT’s total 0.3 million hectares of inland water bodies. As per estimates, there are roughly 157 square kilometers of lakes and streams in the Kashmir region.Â
The governments of Jammu and Kashmir, and India have already begun a variety of initiatives to support trout farming in the region, recognising the economic and environmental benefits that could result from doing so. Since 2009, the governments of JK (UT) and Ladakh (UT) have taken the bold step of initiating the development of trout fish farming in all districts of JK (UT) and Ladakh (UT) in order to promote trout culture and create jobs. Currently, between 5100 households are engaged in trout farming in different districts of Kashmir. Experts suggest that an annual income of Rs 5–10 lacs is possible for a typical Kashmiri family. Trout farming is being practised in a number of locations, including Dachigam National Park, Dara Harwan, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Awantipora, etc. At the moment, district Anantnag has access to hundreds of metric tonnes of marketable trout weighing between 250 and 1000 gms. All of the UTs’ districts have distributed hatcheries to private farmers so that they can raise their own hatchlings. Rainbow and brown trout populations can be increased by stocking lakes and streams at higher altitudes.
Remember, pure water is necessary for trout to thrive throughout their development, and a temperature range of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius is ideal for their comfortable existence and rapid growth. As a result of the ideal climatic conditions, trout farming has a lot of potential in Kashmir. As opposed to the north and the centre of the valley, the south has the greatest potential for trout farming. 60% of the potential has been found in the southern part of the valley. Thus, there are excellent prospects for additional advancements in trout farming since valleys like Kashmir offer the potential for the establishment of trout farming due to their freshwater availability and optimum water temperatures.
Conclusion
Among many factors affecting the wide distribution of trout in Kashmir is understanding the concept of a value chain system. The importance of value chain analysis becomes apparent when trying to find a way to coordinate the efforts of all participants in the value chain, regardless of their location. If the links in the value chain aren’t solid, the ability of producers to provide value to consumers, and vice versa, will suffer. The competitiveness of the entire value chain is jeopardised by the presence of even a single weak link. If a company is unable to meet the demands (or wants or wishes) of its customers, those customers will look elsewhere for their needs to be met. To ensure that the needs of the final consumer are met and that overall benefits are realised, value chain development takes a market-oriented approach by identifying key players in the value chain and ensuring that all such players and other stakeholders along a particular value chain work together and coordinate their activities.
In 2013/14, Kashmir harvested a record-breaking 262 metric tonnes of trout, worth an estimated Rs. 200 lakhs. And currently there are 5 trout hatcheries, 42 trout-raising centers, and 268 private rearing units in Jammu & Kashmir. Despite these efforts, more needs to be done as there are many unemployed young people in the UT who could be taught the necessary skills to make a living through trout farming. At present, it is clear that Kashmir isn’t making the most of trout farming, despite the fact that there’s a massive demand for it in the market. In light of this, it is necessary to disseminate more and more information about the financial benefits of trout farming. Each district should select a group of knowledgeable persons to spread the word about the economic benefits of trout farming to the employed youth of the villages. Then they should be trained and extended support to construct trout farms.
ReferencesÂ
https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/editorial-page/opportunities-in-trout-farming
http://risingkashmir.com/trout-fish-farms-thrive-in-kashmir
Leave a Reply
You must belogged in to post a comment.