The government announced the opening of India’s inaugural commercial-scale tropical Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Rainbow Trout Aquaculture Farm and Research Institute. Located in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy District, the Smart Green Aquaculture Farm and Research Institute features a State-of-the-art Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) Facility. This facility showcases the ability to farm high-value cold-water species like Rainbow Trout throughout the year in tropical climates using precise engineering and advanced water recirculation technologies.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying highlighted that this breakthrough challenges the traditional belief that premium aquaculture species are limited to specific climatic regions. It emphasizes that technology, rather than climate, plays a crucial role in determining aquaculture viability. The project not only serves as a live training and demonstration hub but also enhances the skills of youth in advanced aquaculture systems, automation, and biosecurity, thereby bolstering the human capital in the fisheries sector.
Significant investments by the central government have been directed towards the aquaculture sector, amounting to an impressive Rs 38,572 crore since the project’s inception in 2015. Cold water fisheries, particularly the production of premium cold-water species like Rainbow Trout, are gaining traction within the broader fisheries industry. This growth is fueled by increasing market demand, both domestically and internationally, along with investments in sustainable aquaculture technologies, positioning this sub-sector as a key contributor to livelihoods and economic development in mountainous regions.
The Department of Fisheries has made substantial progress in leveraging resources for rainbow trout hatcheries, leading to a notable rise in fish production and the creation of local employment opportunities.
