{
  "id": 15436894,
  "title": "Fisheries Secretary Dr Abhilaksh Likhi Reviews Trout Farming In Munsyari, Highlights ₹2,299 Crore Investment In Coldwater Aquaculture",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/fisheries-secretary-dr-abhilaksh-likhi-reviews-trout-farming-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T15:05:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/fisheries-secretary-dr-abhilaksh-likhi-reviews-trout-farming-in-munsyari-highlights-2299-crore-investment-in-coldwater-aquaculture"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of India's Department of Fisheries, recently visited Munsyari in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, to assess the growth of coldwater aquaculture. During his tour, he visited Johar Matsya Swayatt Sehkarita, Namjala Trout Farm, and local cooperatives, recognizing their pioneering work in raising rainbow trout, a sustainable income source.\n\nMunsyari's glacial streams, especially those of the Gori Ganga, have made it a prime location for rainbow trout farming, transitioning subsistence farming into a semi-commercial business. The Indian government has identified 34 fisheries clusters nationwide, with Pithoragarh designated as a Cold Water Fisheries Cluster under PMMSY, aiming to boost fisheries cooperatives, livelihoods, and promote sustainable development in the Himalayas.\n\nThe Secretary's trip was a crucial move to enhance trout farming in Uttarakhand and other Himalayan regions. The Department of Fisheries, Uttarakhand, is exporting trout to Nepal and supplying ITBP under a Memorandum of Understanding. Coldwater fisheries in hilly states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh are vital for livelihood diversification, nutrition, and exports.\n\nThe Government of India has committed over ₹2,299 crore to coldwater regions via PMMSY, supporting raceways, hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage facilities, and post-harvest infrastructure. Six hilly states have concentrated coldwater fisheries: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. These areas boast glaciated rivers, high-altitude lakes, and pristine streams, ideal for rainbow trout and other high-value coldwater species. PMMSY has sanctioned more than 5,600 raceways, 54 hatcheries, 293 cold storages, and 260 feed mills in these regions. Trout production has increased sixfold in the past decade, reaching nearly 5,000 metric tons annually, with Uttarakhand exporting its first trout to Nepal in June 2026. In Uttarakhand, ₹317 crore has been allocated for projects including modern fish markets, landing centers, and an integrated aquapark in Sitarganj. The state plans to establish 1,500 raceways, 100 mini hatcheries, and 600 cold-storage facilities by 2028-29, promoting women's empowerment through safe, dignified, and prosperous livelihoods. Dr. Likhi commended the ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR) in Bhimtal for its scientific support in seed production, disease management, and farmer training, highlighting trout farming's socio-economic benefits, including income growth, eco-tourism, conservation of endangered species like Mahseer, and strengthening border village economies.",
  "summary": "Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, undertook an official visit to Munsyari, district Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, on 18 October 2026 to review the progress of coldwater aquaculture development in the Himalayan region. During the visit, the Secretary interacted with trout farmers at Johar Matsya Swayatt…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}