VoL Desk, March 08, 2022: The ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand is intensifying efforts to develop advanced aquaculture systems and diverse practices in the high altitudinal regions of Ladakh.

Under the direction and guidance of Director, DCFR, Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, a team of scientists from DCFR, Dr. R.S. Patiyal, Dr. Biju Sam Kamalam and Dr. Rajesh M., visited Ladakh during 1-7 March 2022 and carried out research and development activities targeting improved rainbow trout seed production, livelihood generation through ornamental fishes and skill enhancement of fish farmers’ in Ladakh.

For the first time in Ladakh, a scientifically designed and validated rainbow trout hatchery-nursery system has been established and is under operation at DCFR adopted progressive farmer Mr. Zabir Ahmad’s farm at Chuchot Shamma village, Leh.

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Following the successful hatching and advanced fry production from the first trial batch of eggs from DCFR, an up-scaled seed production effort with nearly 55,000 rainbow trout-eyed ova from DCFR was initiated during this visit.

On 5^th March 2022, a training cum demonstration programme on ‘Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) based rainbow trout hatchery and nursery management in high altitudes’ was organised by DCFR in the experiment-demonstration site at Mr. Zabir’s farm, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Leh.

The Secretary, ASH & Fisheries, Ravinder Kumar (IAS) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, inaugurated the aqua-garden with ornamental fishes, visited the RAS hatchery-nursery facility for rainbow trout seed production, distributed DCFR’s water quality kits and record keeping notebooks to farmers, appreciated the continuous efforts of DCFR, and assured stronger collaboration through MoU. 

With the Secretary, Dr. Stanzin Thakchos (OSD to Secy., ASH & Fisheries), Mr. Mohd. Amin Lone (Assistant Director of Fisheries, Leh), fisheries department officials and fish farmers participated in the training. The DCFR scientists gave a demonstration of the RAS hatchery-nursery facility and ornamental fish aqua-garden, and explained critical aspects of hatchery/farm operation, feed management, water quality monitoring, record-keeping and health management to the 25 participants.

Subsequently, on 6^th March 2022, a training on ‘Best management practices in rainbow trout farming for enhanced benefits and feed distribution programme for tribal farmers was organised by DCFR at Khachan Government Trout Farm, Kargil, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Kargil.

The training was presided by Murtaza Ali, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Kargil, and attended by 22 farmers and 10 fisheries department officials from Kargil and Drass. The DCFR scientists explained various important aspects of rainbow trout farm management to the gathering and practically demonstrated water flow rate measurement, biomass estimation, feeding and water quality monitoring.

Under the Tribal Sub-Plan scheme of DCFR, 5000 kg of rainbow trout feed developed by ICAR-DCFR, in collaboration with Growel Feeds, was distributed to 20 farmers in Kargil and Drass; and another 3000 kg of this feed has been distributed to 11 farmers in Leh and Nubra, to support the production cycle in one raceway.

For regular monitoring of the on-farm feed performance demonstration and farm management, record keeping note books were provided to all the feed recipient farmers and fisheries officials of Government farms in Leh and Kargil. Besides this, ICAR-DCFR has prepared and is in the process of finalizing a road map and strategic action plan for sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture in Ladakh.