MPEDA Experts Visit Drass; Explore Potential of High-Value Cold-Water Fisheries and Aquaculture in Ladakh.

MPEDA Experts Visit Drass; Explore Potential of High-Value Cold-Water Fisheries and Aquaculture in Ladakh.
Drass, October 06: A team of experts from the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) today visited Drass to explore the potential for developing high-value cold-water fisheries and aquaculture in Ladakh, with particular emphasis on trout farming, improved production practices, marketing opportunities and livelihood generation.
The visiting team comprised Dr. P. Jayagopal, Deputy Director, Aquaculture Section, MPEDA, Kochi (Keralam), and Dr. S. Kandan, Consultant, MPEDA–Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA), Tamil Nadu.
Upon their arrival at the Tourist Dak Bungalow of Drass, the Deputy Commissioner, Imteeaz Kacho (JKAS), met the experts and held detailed interactions on potential of the fisheries sector in the region.
During the interaction, the Deputy Commissioner briefed the visiting experts about local fish production, existing fish farming practices, livelihood opportunities, immense interest of local residents in fish farming and its allied business and the business potential of fisheries in Drass. He also highlighted the scope for promoting locally produced fish during festivals and other major events, thereby creating better market opportunities for local fish farmers.
The discussions particularly focused on Drass’ fresh running water resources and favourable cold-water conditions which offer considerable potential for the development of trout and other high-value cold-water fisheries.
The Deputy Commissioner and the visiting team, accompanied by officials of Fisheries Department then visited several fish farms across Drass to assess the existing facilities and interact directly with local fish farmers.
At Goshan Village, the team inspected a fish farm and interacted with its owner regarding existing farming practices. The experts shared new ideas for improving fish production, farm management and overall commercial viability. The team subsequently visited the trout fish farm at Lamochan Village where discussions were focussed on available facilities, improved fish-rearing practices and opportunities for strengthening the business. The Deputy Commissioner encouraged the fish farmer to enhance production and explore wider marketing opportunities. The team also enquired about prevailing fish prices and discussed measures for improving market linkages.
At Lone Trout Fish Farm in Masjidgaam Village, the experts inspected the fish stock and interacted with the farm owner regarding the management of fish and water conditions during both summer and winter seasons. Particular emphasis was laid on regular monitoring of water quality and pH levels which are important for maintaining healthy fish stocks. The experts also shared technical suggestions and innovative practices for improving farm productivity.
The team finally visited the fish farms at Khunda Village where they reviewed the available infrastructure and enquired about arrangements for maintaining the farm during the harsh winter season. The farm owner was advised on improved management practices with special emphasis on monitoring water quality and maintaining suitable pH levels.
During the visits, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts of local fish farmers and encouraged them to adopt scientific farming practices, improved farm management, value addition and stronger marketing strategies to enhance their income and expand the fisheries sector in Drass.
The visiting experts also shared technical inputs and new ideas with the fish farmers for improving productivity, sustainability and commercial prospects. The Deputy Commissioner thanked Dr. P. Jayagopal and Dr.S.Kandan for visiting Drass District and for taking time to visit the fish farms to get a first-hand experience by interacting with the local fish farmers. He appreciated the concerns of both expert guests towards positive development and growth of the fisheries sector in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The visit highlighted the significant potential of high-value cold-water fisheries and aquaculture in Drass District and other parts of the Union Territory of Ladakh, particularly by leveraging the region’s natural cold-water resources, strengthening technical interventions, improving market linkages and supporting local entrepreneurs.