India scales up cold-water fisheries for economic growth.

India scales up cold-water fisheries for economic growth. The government is targeting a major expansion in premium fish production, aiming to increase output from 1,500 metric tonnes in 2019-20 to over 50,000 tonnes by 2030. This strategy focuses on high-value species like Rainbow Trout and Mahseer across 5.33 lakh square kilometers of mountainous terrain in the Himalayas and Northeast. The initiative aims to boost rural incomes, tap export markets, and enhance nutrition security in remote areas. New model guidelines help states develop region-specific policies while maintaining ecological sustainability. Rainbow Trout has emerged as the most commercially viable species due to its adaptability and faster growth rates. The expansion includes boosting productivity of Trout raceways to 2-4 tonnes per unit and expanding hatcheries and fingerling-rearing facilities.