₹100-Crore Integrated Aqua Park Proposed in J&K: Big Boost Under PMMSY Phase-II

₹100-Crore Integrated Aqua Park Proposed in J&K- In a major step to strengthen the fisheries and livestock sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India is considering a ₹100-crore proposal to set up an Integrated Aqua Park under Phase-II of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The announcement came from Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, during an official event at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir).

The proposed Integrated Aqua Park aims to serve as a model hub for cold-water aquaculture, particularly for trout fish farming. It will include hatcheries, processing units, training centres, and market linkages to support fish farmers and generate rural employment.

UHT Milk Plant Inaugurated in Jammu

Alongside this major announcement, a 50,000-litre capacity Ultra High Temperature (UHT) Milk Processing Plant was virtually inaugurated at Satwari, Jammu. Union Minister Singh and Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah jointly launched the facility, which is expected to enhance dairy processing and ensure longer shelf-life for milk, benefitting both consumers and dairy farmers.

J&K’s Fisheries & Livestock Sector Witnesses Remarkable Growth

The Union Minister highlighted how flagship schemes like PMMSY, Blue Revolution, and FIDF (Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund) have transformed Jammu and Kashmir’s rural economy. Key achievements include:

Milk production has increased by 47%, rising from 19.5 lakh tonnes in 2014–15 to 28.74 lakh tonnes in 2023–24.

Per capita milk availability in the UT now stands at 413 grams/day.

Trout production has witnessed a staggering 800% growth, from 262 MT in 2013–14 to 2,380 MT in 2023–24.

Trout seed production rose from 9 million to 15.2 million, while carp seed increased from 40 million to 63.5 million.

To support trout farming, the Centre has also facilitated the import of 13.4 lakh genetically improved eyed ova of Rainbow and Brown Trout from Denmark, which has significantly improved fish seed quality and output.

Empowering Farmers, Creating Jobs

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh stressed that livestock and fisheries sectors are vital engines of rural income and nutritional security, especially in remote regions like Jammu and Kashmir. Over 10 crore Indian farmers depend on livestock, with more than 70% women participation in the dairy sector, making it a critical area for inclusive development.

He called on the youth of J&K to participate in small-scale fishery and dairy businesses, which can generate employment and bring prosperity to rural households. He also assured full Central Government support for infrastructure, cold chains, and direct market linkages.

Anantnag Named Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster

Recognizing the high potential of cold-water aquaculture in Kashmir, the Centre has declared Anantnag as a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster, with Kulgam and Shopian as partner districts. The focus is on value chain development, training, and private sector participation, with over ₹120 crore investment already mobilized under FIDF.

Centre’s Commitment: ₹852 Crore for Himalayan and North-Eastern States

As part of a broader vision, the Union Government has committed ₹852 crore under PMMSY for Himalayan and North Eastern states. Of this, ₹300 crore is earmarked for J&K alone to boost fish production, modernize infrastructure, and create livelihood opportunities.

The Union Minister also shared that NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) and NFDB (National Fisheries Development Board) are working with the Government to design a detailed roadmap for infrastructure, market linkages, and training, with the Integrated Aqua Park being one of the key deliverables.

Where There Is Scope, There Must Be Action

In a high-level meeting at Srinagar’s Civil Secretariat, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh and CM Omar Abdullah jointly reviewed the progress of animal husbandry and fisheries in the UT. The Union Minister assured that the Centre is committed to listening to local challenges, acting where needed, and delivering results.

“Rural development is only meaningful when it reaches the grassroots. We must convert potential into outcomes,” he said.

Conclusion: Integrated Aqua Park Proposed in J&K

With the Centre actively considering a ₹100-crore Integrated Aqua Park in J&K, the region is poised to become a leader in cold-water aquaculture and sustainable rural development. The initiatives in dairy, trout farming, and seed import show a clear vision—one where technology, investment, and collaboration lead the way to self-reliance and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.

The combined efforts of the Union and UT Governments, supported by scientific agencies and farmers, promise to transform the fisheries and livestock sectors into vibrant engines of growth for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.