Munseyari Emerges as a Leading Trout Farming Hub in the Himalayas

Munseyari, Uttarakhand, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : Munseyari, located in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, has rapidly established itself as a prominent center for rainbow trout farming, thanks to the region’s glacial rivers and favorable water temperatures. On October 18, 2026, Abhilaksh Likhi, the Secretary of Fisheries, highlighted the area’s potential during his visit to the Namjala Trout Farm, where he engaged with local fish farmers about their experiences and suggestions.

During the review of cold-water aquaculture advancements in the Himalayan region, Likhi praised local cooperatives for their crucial role in promoting sustainable livelihoods through rainbow trout farming. The Uttarakhand Fisheries Department has begun exporting trout to Nepal and is also supplying the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) under a memorandum of understanding with the state government.

The central government has designated 34 fishery clusters nationwide, with Pithoragarh being developed as a cold-water fisheries cluster under the Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This initiative aims to strengthen fish cooperatives, enhance livelihood opportunities, and promote sustainable fisheries development in the Himalayan region.

Likhi emphasized the strategic importance of cold-water fisheries in states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in terms of livelihood diversification, nutritional security, and export potential. The central government has invested over ₹2,299 crores in cold-water areas under PMMSY, focusing on developing infrastructure such as raceways, hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage, and post-harvest facilities.

Cold-water fisheries in India are primarily concentrated in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. The glacial rivers and pristine waters in these regions create an ideal environment for high-value species like rainbow trout. Under PMMSY, more than 5,600 raceways, 54 hatcheries, 293 cold storage facilities, and 260 feed mills have been approved in these states. In the past decade, trout production has surged sixfold, reaching nearly 5,000 metric tons annually. Notably, in June 2026, Uttarakhand achieved a significant milestone by exporting trout to Nepal for the first time.

The state government has approved projects worth ₹317 crores, which include modern fish markets, landing centers, and an integrated aquapark in Sitarganj. Additionally, a ‘Trout Promotion Scheme’ costing ₹170 crores has been launched, aiming to develop 1,500 raceways, 100 mini hatcheries, and 600 cold storage facilities by 2028-29.

Likhi also acknowledged the role of the ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR) in Bhimtal, which has provided scientific support for the introduction of rainbow trout in Munseyari, including seed production, disease management, and farmer training. He described the trout export to Nepal as a historic achievement that has opened new avenues for international trade.

The discussions during this visit also touched on the social and economic impacts of trout farming in border villages, highlighting its potential to create new livelihood opportunities, promote eco-tourism, and ensure market access through institutional buyers like ITBP. Likhi concluded by stating that cold-water aquaculture not only boosts farmers’ incomes but also plays a vital role in promoting eco-tourism, conserving endangered species like Mahseer, and strengthening the economies of border villages.