Waris Shah
Despite being Asia’s largest trout fish farm, the farm in Anantnag district’s Kokernag is facing immense dearth of staff.
The farm is one of the best producer of Rainbow Trout fish across the world. But, the dearth of staff is forcing the fish farm to not be able to function properly.
“There are around 30 employees to look after the entire fish farm. We used to get daily wage workers for the maintenance but we are no longer able to do that because of lack of funds,” an official of the Fisheries Department told The Kashmiriyat.
The official also cited lack of government support as one of the reasons behind the deteriorating condition of the fish farm.
“We are putting in our best effort, which is why it has maintained it’s stance as Asia’s largest fish farm and its fish production is increasing each year. But, government should provide us with the required funds and staff for the farm to function,” an official of the farm said.
The official also said that most of the lower rank officials are awaiting promotions for years.
“We provide seeds to over 500 farmers. This farm generated revenue of Rs 1.73 crore during 2018 which went up to Rs 1.83 crore last year. In addition seed was sold for Rs 40 lakh to farmers,” the official said.
Advisor to the governor, BR Bhatnagar said that he will look into the matter. “I will discuss this issue with officials and try to sort out all these issues,” Bhatnagar said.
The fish farm is famous for producing trout fish and an average-sized trout contains about 1.8 grams of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are needed for the development of the brain and retina in infants. Trout also contains 20% protein, vitamins A, B, B1, C2 and D and forms the basis of a healthy, low-fat and fibre-rich diet.
The introduction of trout in Kashmir is credited to a British man, Frank Mitchell. In 1899, he reared the trout in the premises of his private carpet factory at Bagh-e-Dilawar Khan, located in Shahr-e-Khas. He established the first trout hatchery at Harwan in 1901 and trained the locals.