Fisheries sector has immense potential for employment generation: Javid Dar
Anantnag, Nov 1: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar visited Trout Fish Farming Project (TFFP), Kokernag and inaugurated ‘Floating Trout Feed Manufacturing Plant/Mill’, established under Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.5 crore.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA Kokernag, Zafar Ali Khatana; MLA, Rajpora, Gulam Mohi uddin Mir; MLA, Shangus-Anantnag East, Reyaz Ahmad Khan; MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majid Bhat; MLA, Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani; Director Fisheries, J&K, Abdul Majid Tak and other senior officers of the Agriculture Production and Mechanical Engineering and allied departments.
Significantly, the newly established plant has a production capacity of 400 kilograms per hour, aimed at catering to the growing requirement of quality feed for trout farming across the region, said an official press release.
Following the inauguration, the Minister inspected Kokernag Trout Fish Farm, where he was briefed about the ongoing trout cultivation activities and modern techniques being adopted for enhancing production. He also inspected the breeding section of the farm and interacted with officials and fish farmers. Later, the Minister visited Kathsoo, Pahalgam and laid foundation stone of NABARD-Assisted Trout Fish Farming Project.
During the visit, he interacted with fish farmers and beneficiaries, seeking their feedback and suggestions for promoting sustainable fish farming practices. He also inspected the ongoing works under the project.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of these events, the Minister said that the newly inaugurated trout feed manufacturing plant at Kokernag will play a vital role in ensuring the availability of high-quality feed, thereby improving trout production across South Kashmir. He emphasised that the fisheries sector has immense potential for employment generation and can become a key contributor to the rural economy in the near future.
