Fisheries Secretary Reviews Coldwater Fisheries Development in Uttarakhand
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, visited Munsyari in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand on October 18, 2026 to review the progress of coldwater aquaculture development in the Himalayan region. During the visit, he interacted with trout farmers at Johar Matsya Swayatt Sehkarita and Namjala Trout Farm, appreciating the role of local cooperatives in adopting rainbow trout farming as a sustainable livelihood option.
The Secretary highlighted that Pithoragarh has been notified as one of 34 fisheries clusters across India under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with significant potential to strengthen fisheries cooperatives and enhance livelihood opportunities. The Government of India has invested over ₹2,299 crore in coldwater regions under PMMSY, supporting infrastructure including raceways, hatcheries, feed mills, cold storages, and post-harvest infrastructure.
Infrastructure and Production Achievements
India's coldwater fisheries are concentrated in six hilly states and union territories: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Under PMMSY, more than 5,600 raceways, 54 hatcheries, 293 cold storages, and 260 feed mills have been sanctioned across these states. Trout production has grown six-fold in the last decade, reaching nearly 5,000 metric tons annually.
Uttarakhand-Specific Developments
In Uttarakhand specifically, projects worth ₹317 crore have been sanctioned, including modern fish markets, landing centres, and an integrated aquapark at Sitarganj. The state has launched the Trout Protsahan Yojna with an outlay of ₹170 crore, aiming to establish 1,500 raceways, 100 mini hatcheries, and 600 cold-storage facilities by 2028–29. The state achieved its first international trout export to Nepal in June 2026 and is supplying trout to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) under a memorandum of understanding.
Strategic Importance and Future Potential
The Secretary emphasized that coldwater fisheries in hilly states are of strategic importance for livelihood diversification, nutritional security, and export potential. He noted that coldwater aquaculture is enhancing farmers' incomes while contributing to eco-tourism, conservation of endangered species like Mahseer, and strengthening border village economies. The ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Bhimtal, was commended for introducing rainbow trout to Munsiyari and providing scientific support in seed production, disease management, and farmer training.