Drass: A team of experts from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) visited Drass on Tuesday to assess the potential for expanding high-value cold-water fisheries and aquaculture in Ladakh, with a focus on trout farming, improved production and better market access.
The team, comprising MPEDA Deputy Director Dr P. Jayagopal and MPEDA-RGCA Consultant Dr S. Kandan, held discussions with Deputy Commissioner Drass Imteeaz Kacho and officials of the Fisheries Department on strengthening the local fisheries sector.
During the interaction, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the existing fish production, growing interest among residents in fish farming and the scope for creating additional livelihood and business opportunities. He also suggested promoting locally produced fish during festivals and major events to expand the market for local farmers.
The experts, accompanied by Fisheries Department officials, later visited fish farms at Goshan, Lamochan, Masjidgaam and Khunda villages to assess infrastructure, production practices and challenges faced by farmers.
At the farms, discussions centred on improving fish rearing, farm management, productivity and commercial viability. The experts particularly stressed regular monitoring of water quality and pH levels, along with scientific management practices suited to Drass’s harsh climatic conditions.
At Lone Trout Fish Farm in Masjidgaam, the team reviewed fish stocks and seasonal water-management practices, while at Khunda they examined arrangements for maintaining the farm during winter.
The visiting experts also discussed prevailing fish prices, value addition and wider marketing opportunities with farmers.
The Deputy Commissioner urged fish farmers to adopt scientific techniques, improve farm management and explore stronger marketing strategies to increase incomes.
The visit highlighted the potential of Drass and other cold-water regions of Ladakh to emerge as hubs for high-value trout production, backed by natural water resources, technical support and improved market linkages.
