New Delhi, May 27: India’s cold-water fisheries sector is emerging as a significant pillar of the country’s Blue Economy, contributing to rural livelihoods, nutritional security, and sustainable development in Himalayan and hill regions. The sector, once limited to traditional fishing practices in mountain streams, has now evolved into a structured aquaculture industry supported by modern infrastructure and scientific farming techniques.
India’s cold-water fisheries emerge as key pillar of blue economy, with J&K leading production growthhttps://t.co/2LEe1eMoGr
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Cold-water fisheries are practiced in high-altitude rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs where temperatures range between 5°C and 25°C. The sector primarily involves species such as rainbow trout, snow trout, and golden mahseer, cultivated using hatcheries, raceways, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and cold-chain facilities that ensure efficient production and distribution.
India’s total fish production stood at approximately 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, with cold-water fisheries contributing nearly 3% of inland output. Within this segment, trout production has grown steadily, rising nearly 1.8 times over the past decade to about 6,000 metric tonnes.
Among states, Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as the leading producer, recording around 3,010 MT of trout production in 2024–25, supported by a strong network of hatcheries and farming units. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have also shown consistent growth, while Ladakh continues to expand production despite challenging climatic conditions. Northeastern states are gradually strengthening their presence through new infrastructure and capacity building initiatives.
The sector has received strong policy support through government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). These programmes have enabled the creation of hatcheries, raceways, cold storage units, transport systems, and modern aquaculture facilities across cold-water regions.
Integrated aqua parks and cold-water fisheries clusters are being developed in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh to enhance production efficiency, improve value chains, and strengthen market linkages for farmers.
Officials noted that the sector has also generated significant livelihood opportunities, supporting millions of families and expanding employment in farming, processing, transport, and allied services across remote regions.
Experts said the adoption of modern technologies such as smart feeding systems, digital monitoring tools, and improved cold-chain logistics is gradually transforming the sector. Startups and cooperatives are also playing a growing role in strengthening market access and improving operational efficiency.
With sustained policy support, infrastructure expansion, and technological integration, cold-water fisheries are expected to play an increasingly important role in India’s Blue Economy and rural development strategy.