Danishwar Hameed
Kulgam, Jan, 29: In a significant development for the fisheries sector, Kulgam district has become the first in Jammu and Kashmir to receive the highly anticipated and popular F1 hybrid pure strain of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout from Denmark. The much-awaited consignment arrived today at the Tschanser Trout Hatchery, marking a major milestone for the region’s aquaculture industry.
Assistant Director Fisheries, Shabir Ahmad Shabir, confirmed that the Fisheries Department of Kulgam successfully procured genetically improved germplasm of both Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout from Denmark. He shared that these genetically enhanced strains were successfully implanted at the Tschanser Trout Fish Farm for the first time in over a century, underlining the significance of this development.
The newly introduced germplasm will be reared in the hatchery under controlled conditions and eventually stocked in freshwater streams throughout the district and across the Union Territory, ushering in a new era for sustainable fish farming.
District Development Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan (IAS) expressed his vision for Kulgam to become a pioneer in Trout Angling, highlighting the district’s picturesque freshwater streams like the Ahrabal and Veshow streams, along with their tributaries. He noted that the stocking of these streams and the promotion of sport fishing will elevate Kulgam as a major contributor to eco-tourism, benefiting the local economy.
Shabir Ahmad Shabir emphasized the importance of procuring the new germplasm to address genetic depression in the existing Rainbow Trout population. He assured that the consignment was received and implanted according to the designated protocols. Officials have been instructed to ensure proper management of the germplasm, maintaining the purity of the strains for future stocking and sustainability.
This initiative positions Kulgam to play a leading role in both sustainable trout farming and eco-tourism, fostering growth in the region’s aquaculture industry.
