National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries Held in Srinagar

India Focuses on Sustainable Cold Water Fisheries Development at Srinagar Meet

The Department of Fisheries organised the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar . The conference gathered policymakers, scientists, industry representatives and fisheries stakeholders to discuss strategies for expanding and sustaining the cold water fisheries sector in India. The event was held under the guidance of Rajiv Ranjan Singh , and was attended by Manoj Sinha and Omar Abdullah .

Importance of Cold Water Fisheries

Cold water fisheries represent a specialised segment of aquaculture found mainly in mountainous and high-altitude ecosystems. In India, these fisheries are concentrated in Himalayan states such as Jammu and Kashmir , Ladakh , Himachal Pradesh , Uttarakhand , Arunachal Pradesh , and Sikkim , along with parts of the Northeast and the Western Ghats.

These ecosystems include cold rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs across more than 5.33 lakh square kilometres of mountainous terrain. Scientists have identified over 278 species of cold water fish in India, highlighting the sector’s importance for biodiversity conservation, nutrition and rural livelihoods.

Government Support under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana

The government is strengthening the sector through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana . Investments worth ₹2,299.56 crore have been sanctioned for cold water states to improve fisheries infrastructure.

Key focus areas include establishing hatcheries, strengthening fish seed and feed systems, constructing raceway culture facilities, improving cold-chain logistics and expanding transport networks. These measures aim to create a modern aquaculture ecosystem in remote regions.

Policy Framework and Sectoral Initiatives

During the conference, the Union Minister released the Model Guidelines for Development of Cold Water Fisheries . Benefits under fisheries schemes were distributed to fishers, cooperatives and beneficiaries of the Kisan Credit Card programme.

Awards were also presented to leading Fisheries Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs) and innovative fisheries start-ups from Jammu and Kashmir. Technical sessions addressed research advancements, infrastructure development, entrepreneurship and technology adoption in the sector.

Vision for Cold Water Fisheries 2030

India’s National Vision for Cold Water Fisheries 2030 aims to significantly increase production of high-value species such as trout and mahseer. Although trout production has grown in recent years, India still imports premium fish varieties like salmon and trout.

Experts at the conference emphasised the need to boost domestic production, strengthen supply chains and explore innovations such as drone-based logistics to transport fish efficiently in mountainous regions.

Exam-Focused Points

• Cold water fisheries are mainly located in Himalayan and high-altitude regions of India .

• Important species include Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Mahseer .

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana supports fisheries infrastructure and livelihoods.

• Integrated Aqua Parks have been established in states like Uttarakhand, Jammu and