Shimla, Mar 2 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a leading supplier of high-quality rainbow trout-eyed ova to other hill states like Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, according to an official statement.

Under various schemes, trout hatchery farmers have supplied 9.05 lakh rainbow trout-eyed ova to Uttarakhand alone this fiscal, it added.

The Department of Fisheries has produced 12.60 lakh rainbow trout-eyed ova and 1.74 lakh brown trout-eyed ova from the eight government-run farms in the current fiscal.

With breeding still in progress, the total eyed ova production is expected to surpass 20 lakh, a significant increase from last year's 15.79 lakh in the government sector.

Additionally, the private sector is expected to contribute an equivalent volume, with nine functional hatcheries in Kullu, Mandi and Sirmour districts collectively targeting a production of 20 lakh eyed ova.

The overall trout production in the state, which stood at 1,402 metric tonnes in 2023-24, is projected to reach 1,600 metric tonnes in 2024-25.

"The Department of Fisheries' initiatives have not only boosted aquaculture production but have also inspired the youth of the state to explore opportunities in the sector. By promoting sustainable and scientific aquaculture practices, we are empowering the next generation of farmers to contribute to national food security and economic growth," Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said.

The department has actively supported farmers in Kullu in supplying eyed ova to Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

To further boost rainbow trout production in the state's cold-water regions, the fisheries department has established a cold-water Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) unit at the Trout Farm in Patlikuhal, Kullu. A similar unit has been set up in the private sector and both are now operational. These initiatives are expected to immensely enhance cold-water aquaculture in the state, said Vivek Chandel, director of the Fisheries Department.

In the coming week, an additional 3 lakh rainbow trout fries will be shipped, further strengthening aquaculture initiatives in Uttarakhand. This collaborative effort between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is set to revolutionise the sector, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and food security, the statement said. PTI CORR BAL BAL

Aquaculture production expansion: Himachal increases rainbow trout eyed-ova supply and RAS capacity to support regional aquaculture. Himachal Pradesh's fisheries programme has increased rainbow trout eyed-ova production and coordinated inter-state supply through government hatcheries and farmer support schemes, while private hatcheries supplement targets. The department has implemented cold-water RAS technology at a state trout farm and identified private-sector RAS capacity to enhance seed production, hatchery expansion, and distribution of fries and eyed ova to neighbouring hill states to support regional aquaculture and rural livelihoods.