KOKERNAG, Jun 10: Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Agriculture Production Department, Ashish Chandra Verma, on Tuesday visited the renowned Trout Fish Farming Project at Kokernag to review its functioning and explore avenues for expansion and modernization of the fisheries sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The trout farm, regarded as one of Asia’s largest trout fish farming facilities, plays a significant role in promoting aquaculture and fish production in the Union Territory. During the visit, Verma was accompanied by Sajad Ahmad Dar, Rouf-ul-Rehman, Shabir Ahmed Shabir, Syed Manzoor Ahmad, and other departmental officials.
The Financial Commissioner inspected various units of the project, including trout seed production facilities, hatcheries and fish stock sections. Officials briefed him on the farm’s production capacity, operational activities and future development plans aimed at strengthening trout farming and fisheries development across the region.
During his first visit to the project after assuming office, Verma also inspected the proposed site for the establishment of a Fish Aqua Park. Recognizing the vast potential of aquaculture and fisheries-based tourism, he directed the concerned authorities to prepare and submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed facility at the earliest.
Emphasizing the importance of diversification, Verma instructed officials to explore the introduction of additional fish species to enhance production and generate greater economic returns for the sector. He also stressed the need for optimum utilization of all suitable and available land resources for fish farming activities.
The Financial Commissioner observed that the fisheries sector has immense potential to contribute to rural livelihoods, employment generation and economic growth. He underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure, adopting modern technologies and expanding fish production across Jammu and Kashmir.
The visit reflects the administration’s broader vision of transforming Kokernag into a major centre for aquaculture, fisheries development and eco-tourism, while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and boosting the local economy through innovative fisheries initiatives.