Kashmir; Second home to Trout

If you hold the conviction that trout is an indigenous species of Kashmir, here is a surprise for you. During the British Empire’s rule in India, they introduced trout fish in Kashmir. It was in 1889 when the first batch of trout ova of around ten-thousand eggs arrived in Kashmir from England. The Duke of Bedford made it possible after the Maharaja of Kashmir presented him with an excellent Kashmir Stag trophy. The British Resident at Srinagar, Sir Adelbert Talbot facilitated the historic exchange.

However, due to the lack of air transportation, the initial shipment of these ova was unable to survive. JS Macdonall played a crucial role in organizing the second delivery of trout ova from Scotland on December 19, 1900. This time, the condition of the ova was favorable. The authorities transported approximately one thousand hatchlings to Panzagam Dachigam (Harwan) in Srinagar. Mr. Michel nurtured the remaining 800 in the facilities of his privately-owned carpet factory in Baghi Dilawar Khan.

This is how Trout became a part of Kashmir’s aquatic system. The fascination of trout became wild in the valley over a period of time. It has also gained so much prominence in North India.

Kashmir, with its snow-fed freshwater streams across the valley, is home to what experts consider the most tasty trout fish. People prefer the Brown Trout for its taste, while they usually rear the Rainbow Trout for business purposes.

Current Scenario

Though this sector received a major thrust during the last two decades with the establishment of the Mother Trout Fish Farming Project at Kokernag under the assistance of the European Union, locals demand more and more such projects for the development of the valley.

“Kashmir has many freshwater streams which could be instrumental in further development of this sector,” said a group of locals adding that “it has potential to create more employment opportunities and attract people to this business for better returns.”

“Initially, I lost some money owing to a lack of knowledge about the process. Now, I earn a handsome sum from this business. Kashmir has freshwater streams. So, we can use them and initiate new farms to help the local economy grow,” says Bilal Ahmad Parray, a unit holder.

He adds that “the rearing of trout has been affected due to mineral extraction and different exercises which pollute water.  Predominantly blue, green, yellow, and silver in color, trout is in demand across the valley for its being rich in protein, thereby boosting immunity.”

Experts believe that Budgam has the most favorable conditions for trout farms. They are also of the opinion that despite being easy to clean – as it has fewer scales and delicate bones – fresh water from the streams adds to its taste.

On the other side,

Authorities claim that the trout culture sector is already upgraded with the modern technology of breeding and rearing to ensure better survival at different stages of the fish. When asked about the inception of such farms and projects across the valley, the administration claims to have taken adequate steps to further develop more such units.

“We are here to help those who wish to start a unit. A well-established framework to start a new farm is already in place. We also provide subsidies and other help to unit holders. For example; 40 percent subsidy is provided to unit holders under central schemes besides providing seeds and around 400 kilograms of feed free of cost,” says Vinod Kumar, an employee at Budgam fisheries department, adding that “we welcome and are ready to assist such proposals in near future.”

Kashmir; the second home to Trout ~ By Asif Ali Alaie