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Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announces Rs 100 crore integrated aqua park for Anantnag
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Wednesday, 18 March, 2026, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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In a major boost to the fisheries sector in Jammu & Kashmir, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (FAH&D) and Panchayati Raj, announced the sanctioning of a Rs 100 crore integrated aqua park project in Anantnag district. The announcement was made during the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC).
The project is designed to strengthen aquaculture infrastructure, enhance cold-water fish production—particularly trout—and generate significant employment opportunities in the region. Alongside the aqua park, the Minister released the “Model Guidelines for the Development of Cold-Water Fisheries,” providing a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable reservoir management and scientific aquaculture practices.
The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who joined the Union Minister in presenting awards to progressive fish farmers, start-ups, and cooperative societies. Recognition was given to organizations like the Jehlum Fisherman Cooperative Ltd and individual farmers for their contributions to sustainable trout farming. Furthermore, refrigerated and three-wheeler vehicles were distributed to enhance post-harvest handling and last-mile market access.
Highlighting the region's potential, officials noted that Jammu & Kashmir contributes nearly 90% of India's total trout production. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasised the need to tap into export markets where cold-water species are in high demand. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reiterated that the new aqua park would serve as a catalyst for growth, driven by technological advancements like Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and modern hatcheries.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of expanding the sector without ecological compromise, advocating for closer collaboration with academic institutions. With over 10,000 participants attending in hybrid mode, the conference marked a pivotal step toward making India a global leader in the high-value cold-water fisheries segment.
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