Srinagar: Fish farming is presenting a prospective career option for young farmers in the frontier Kupwara district, where a large number of youths are venturing into fish farming to earn a livelihood and create employment opportunities for others.
According to officials, in the private sector, the number of fish farmers has significantly increased, attracting hundreds of people to engage in fish farming in Kupwara which include high qualified persons.
The district holds excellent fish farming potential with numerous water bodies, Nallahs, and cold-water streams.
To expand self-employment opportunities, the fisheries department and the district administration in Kupwara have established 68 Trout units, 68 carp units in the private sector, and 6 centers in the government sector, with 3 in each category of trout and carp.
Under the PMSSY scheme, the fisheries department has extended financial assistance of 26.4 lakhs to 12 farmers. The department has issued 54 Angling Permits, allowing only artificial flies, and each license permits the angler to keep six fish a day at a cost of 1,000 rupees.
In terms of annual production, fish farmers have generated revenue of about Rs 2.80 crore in trout fish farming and Carp fish units. The department has also earned Rs. 29 lakh from various resources in the government fisheries sector.
In addition, the department has also put 485990 (seeds) into natural water bodies and fish farmers in the year 2023-2024. Also provided assistance to fishermen for the construction of low cost houses and around 314 families were covered by the department. Also 54 trout permits were issued in favor of people, the official stated.
Assistant Director Fisheries Kupwara, Sajad Ahmad Dar told Rising Kashmir, the Fisheries department in Kupwara has significantly increased its trout fish production from 5 tonnes eight years ago to around 60 tonnes annually. The department has provided financial assistance under the Livelihood scheme of Rs 16.68 lakhs to 556 fishermen and and 26.4 lakhs to 12 fish farmers in the year 2023.
This year the department has provided assistance of 18.69 lakhs to 623 fishermen.
The department has also established a fish sale center for private fish farms, enabling farmers to sell their produce. The sale center has significantly aided farmers in achieving good production.
The owner of a private fish farm in Mawer, Kupwara, informed Rising Kashmir that the department has been a major help, especially since he was initially unaware of production techniques. He mentioned that, in addition to regular education, the department consistently provides all necessary assistance.
District Kupwara, with its vast pristine water resources, offers ample scope for the development of cold-water fisheries, particularly trout. The department plays a crucial role in employment generation, with a growing number of youth choosing fish farming as a source of livelihood in Kupwara.
Source: Rising Kashmir
