
Mint Explainer: Why is India betting big on Trout, Mahseer and cold-water fisheries?
Mint explains what cold-water fisheries are, why they matter, and what challenges remain.Cold-water fisheries refer to aquatic systems with low temperatures and high dissolved oxygen, making them ideal for species such as Trout and Mahseer.In India, this segment is concentrated in the Himalayan belt, parts of the Northeast, and select peninsular highlands. It spans Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of the Western Ghats and Northeast, covering over 5.33 lakh sq.
km.These regions have pristine rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs that provide ideal ecological conditions. With over 278 identified species, cold-water fisheries represent a niche but high-value segment with potential for income generation, nutrition security and biodiversity conservation.Key species include Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Snow Trout and Mahseer.
Among these, Rainbow Trout has emerged as the most commercially viable due to its adaptability and faster growth.Exotic carps and Indian Major Carps are also being explored in suitable environments.Species distribution depends on altitude, water temperature and flow. Rainbow and Brown Trout thrive in high-altitude cold streams across states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
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