Kargil, June 14: Director Animal /Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, UT Ladakh, Dr. Mohd Iqbal during his weeklong extensive tour of Kargil visited Pashkum and Shargole block on 12 June 2024 where he inspected a private trout fish farm at Andoo constructed under PMMSY and expressed satisfaction over the progress made by the farmer in fish production.

The director reiterated that the department is devoted for strengthening of rural economy by making fish farming economically more vibrant and viable through the centrally sponsored flagship programmes of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY) which has been successfully implemented in the District with 60 percent subsidy on unit cost.

The scheme does not only address the deficit of fish production but is also having a significant impact to resolve the unemployment issues that is plaguing the rural areas of the region.

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While interacting with the farmer, Director said Kargil is considered as one of the most suitable region for undertaking Trout culture because of its favorable resources and agro climatic conditions.

He stressed on the field staff to work with utmost diligence and conduct awareness camps so that the benefits of the schemes are taken to the beneficiaries to encourage them for starting entrepreneurial ventures. 

AD Fisheries Kargil apprised the Director that department has successfully introduced Trout culture (Rainbow) in private sector and has helped in providing employment opportunity to the educated unemployed youths of the district.

Director also took stock of fish farm Wakha and inspected the livestock position and on- going works being carried out at the fish farm under district capex and expressed satisfaction over the functioning and development of the fish farm.

While briefing AD Fisheries apprised Director that Wakha fish farm serves as mother farm for fish farmers of Shargole/Pashkum and Chiktan blocks as during the year 2023 more than 40 thousands of Trout seed was distributed among the private fish farmers.

During the visit, the Director was accompanied by Dr. Iftikar Hussain, JD Sheep Husbandry Department Ladakh; Dr. Gulzar Hussain CAHO Kargil; Murtaza Ali AD Fisheries Kargil besides other officers/officials of the department.