Govt Trout Fish Farm Khag achieves record production of rainbow trout fish seedlings

Budgam, Apr 08: The Government Trout Fish Farm Khag in central Kashmir Budgam district has achieved a significant milestone this year by producing over four lakh rainbow trout fish seedlings, surpassing all previous records. This farm hatchery is currently working on increasing production further.
Deputy Inspector at Government Trout Fish Farm Khag, Riyaz Ahmed Khan said that rainbow trout are raised and cultured in the hatchery, making it the sole fish farm in Budgam district with a hatchery that serves private fish farms in the district as well as in Central and North Kashmir.
“The previous seed production record was one and a half lakhs, but this year, the hatchery has produced over four lakh rainbow trout fish seedlings,” he said.
Khan said that rainbow trout fish are consistently available at the farm, allowing customers to purchase them throughout the year. Additionally, the growth rate of rainbow trout fish is slower compared to common carp and brown trout, especially in their natural habitat.
He said the hatchery plants green fertilized eggs, which typically take about two months to reach fry size (seedlings) depending on the water temperature.
“The Department of Fisheries has implemented various programmes to offer job opportunities to unemployed young individuals. Under these programs, financial aid is provided to help them establish raceways and other necessary infrastructure for setting up their own units,” Riyaz said, adding that they are given free seedlings for the initial year.
He said currently, there are approximately eighty-five (85) Private Rainbow Trout Fish Farms operating in the district. These farms not only generate employment for their owners but also for others in the area, Khan added.