The current state of trout farming in Himachal Pradesh and its potential for future expansion

In the Himalayan states of India, the mountainous region is rich in abundant oxygen, fresh water, which is highly suitable for the cultivation of rainbow trout. Himachal Pradesh is a state with many streams and reservoirs and has a large capacity of fish production. Estimated fishery, water resources of the state are about 3000 km, out of which 600 km of cold water streams are suitable for trout cultivation, which can be used for culturing trout. Trout is a cold water fish that grows well in water temperature from 5 oC to 15oC. There are approximately 762 trout forms, including seven run by the government in the state, which are mainly in Kullu, Chamba, Shimla, Kinnaur and Mandi districts. Out of the five zones, there are vast possibilities of producing high prized fish trout in Zone 1 and 2 of Himachal Pradesh. The total production of trout in the state was 0.54 tonnes in 1996-97 and increased to 25 tonnes in 2005-06, compared to 456.73 MT in 2017-2018. Availability of technical information on trout cultivation, breeding and artificial diet has helped tremendously in promoting the aquaculture of trout in the state. Extension and development efforts of rainbow trout production have led to an overall increase in the production of trout fish, but still there is a big difference between the actual and potential trout production. This paper has reviewed its ability to produce trout, present status and future expansion in Himachal Pradesh.