K2 Khyber Aquaculture Highlights High-Tech Trout Farming at SKICC Conference

Srinagar, March 15, KNT: K2 Khyber Aquaculture on Saturday presented its plans for technology-driven trout farming in Jammu and Kashmir during the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

The conference, themed “Sustainable Harnessing of Cold Water Fisheries for Growth and Prosperity,” brought together policymakers, industry representatives and experts to discuss the future of cold-water fisheries in the Himalayan region.

The event was attended by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, among other officials and stakeholders from the fisheries sector.

The conference comes at a time when authorities and private players are seeking to expand aquaculture in Jammu and Kashmir as part of broader efforts to strengthen agriculture-linked industries and create employment opportunities.

During the event, K2 Khyber Aquaculture outlined its roadmap for developing a trout cluster under the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP).

The project involves a proposed investment of ₹56.33 crore and aims to transform the regional trout industry into an export-oriented aquaculture cluster.

A representative of the company said the initiative seeks to combine Kashmir’s natural cold-water resources with modern aquaculture technologies to increase production and strengthen the value chain.

“Our mission is to bridge the gap between Jammu and Kashmir’s natural resources and global aquaculture standards,” the company spokesperson said.

The representative said the project is designed to support more than 150 local farmers by introducing modern fish farming practices and providing technological support.

Among the initiatives highlighted during the conference was the establishment of a Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) facility at Akhal in the Kangan area of Ganderbal district.

The facility, developed at an estimated cost of ₹47.12 crore, is designed to recycle up to 98 percent of water used in fish farming operations, enabling year-round production while reducing environmental impact.

Officials said the project’s first phase targets an annual production capacity of around 1,500 metric tonnes of trout, which could help meet growing domestic demand for premium fish products.

The company also outlined plans to strengthen hatchery capacity through a facility capable of producing up to 20 million fingerlings annually to ensure a stable supply of fish seed for farms across the region.

Additional infrastructure proposed under the project includes a 500 kilogram per hour Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) unit, oxygen-equipped transport vehicles for fish movement and a dedicated microbial testing laboratory.

Industry representatives said such infrastructure would help maintain quality standards and support export potential.

Company officials said the project could generate around 300 direct jobs while creating more than 3,000 indirect employment opportunities across the fisheries value chain.

The conference also focused on strategies to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and strengthen the cold-water fisheries sector in Himalayan states.

Experts said trout farming has significant potential in Jammu and Kashmir due to the availability of clean mountain streams and suitable climatic conditions.

Officials said greater investment in technology and infrastructure could help the region emerge as a major hub for cold-water aquaculture in the country. [KNT]