'Fish farming lights up hope for unemployed youth'

Srinagar, Nov 1: Secretary of the Agriculture Production Department, Shabnum Kamili, highlighted the emerging potential of fish farming as a means of employment for unemployed youth, particularly in rural areas.
During her visit to the Ganderbal district, Secretary Kamili noted a substantial increase in private-sector fish farms, with a growing number of people, including qualified women, showing a keen interest in this trade.
Accompanied by Director of Fisheries, Mohammad Farooq Dar, Secretary Kamili visited Ganderbal to assess the progress and developments in the fisheries sector within the district.
Her visit included a tour of the under-construction recirculatory aquaculture facility at Ahan, which is expected to contribute more than 1000 tonnes to the trout production once operational.
Shabnam Kamili addressed farmers at Mammar, emphasizing the growing potential of fish culture in the area and encouraging them to adopt this promising venture. She also directed department officials to work energetically for the welfare of fishermen and fish farmers.
During the visit, Dr Salman, the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Ganderbal, shared information about the department's successful research on the Geographic Information System (GIS) of rainbow trout in District Ganderbal. This research received recognition and appreciation from Trabzon University in Turkey, as well as from the District administration in Ganderbal.
One of the remarkable highlights of the visit was Secretary Kamli's praise for the innovative approach used in treating fish diseases, which aims to make District Ganderbal the first Antibiotic-Free Livestock Village in the country. She also commended the participation of women entrepreneurs, who, despite having higher professional qualifications, choose to venture into fish culture, thereby providing valuable support to their families.
Recognising the need for insurance support for fish farmers to overcome adversities and a feed mill to meet the broader interests of farmers, Secretary Kamli emphasized these crucial aspects.
Furthermore, work orders were distributed among farmers for the construction of trout ponds and biofloc units under the Horticulture and Agriculture Development Plan (HADP). Additionally, two bikes equipped with iceboxes were handed over to beneficiaries chosen by the District Steering Committee under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
She also initiated the trout breeding programme at Mammar, which plays a pivotal role in the trout industry of the District. This initiative provides fingerlings to neighbouring districts, supporting farmers in their quest for a sustainable livelihood.
The visit of Secretary Shabnum Kamili highlighted the growing potential of the fisheries sector in Ganderbal, providing valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by the local fish farming community.