J&K imports genetically modified Trout fish seed from Denmark after 119 years

Srinagar, Jan 20 : First in India, Jammu and Kashmir have imported genetically modified Rainbow Trout Seed from Denmark after 119 years to boost annual production from 500 to 5000 tonnes over the next five years.
Principal Secretary Animal, Sheep and Fisheries Department Dr Asghar Hassan Samoon on Saturday said that the seed will be reared up to brood in the facility and then it will be distributed among fish farmers and other hatcheries of the department.
“We can now produce table size fishes of this variety within 12 to 14 months in comparison to 24 months earlier. It will boost the production and revenue of farmers. J&K state is blessed with abundant freshwater resources which are favourable for rainbow trout fish. It is our endeavour to tap the local potential for lessening the import bill of state on food products,” he said.
He added that genetically modified rainbow trout will have more muscle mass and will increase the efficiency of aquaculture in the state.
A consignment of 2.25 lakh Eyed Ova Rainbow Trout imported from r Billund in Denmark River Roheamger were successfully put in for production of broodstock in the state, he said.
He also said that he is hopeful that with the introduction of Rainbow Trout fish, more and more entrepreneurs will get attracted towards the fish farming due to its high returns.
Dr Samoon also directed the officials to create awareness regarding the high returns of fish farming among the youth. “We will provide the marketing support to the aspiring entrepreneurs, besides providing them subsidy on seed and feed so that they can successfully run fish rearing ventures,” he said.
He also called for proper maintenance of the hatchery which gets constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 42 lakh.