The Fisheries Department in Kulgam on Wednesday implanted three lakh eggs of first-generation hybrid brown trout at the Chancher hatchery after receiving its first-ever consignment of this popular angler’s fish, officials said.
Shabir Ahmad, Assistant Director (AD) of Fisheries Kulgam, told Rising Kashmir that trout water bodies in Kulgam, including Aharbal, Veshow, and other streams in Kashmir, have traditionally received rainbow trout and brown trout seeds. He explained that rainbow trout is typically grown in raceways or ponds before being introduced into streams, where anglers catch them.
He said that while both species attract anglers and promote eco-tourism, brown trout is particularly preferred over rainbow trout. Historically introduced by the British, pure brown trout had become rare over time due to crossbreeding.
“To restore the pure brown trout population, we aimed to acquire first-generation (F1) hybrid seeds rather than crossbred ones. Under the HADP program, we successfully procured 3 lakh eggs from Denmark. These will be cultivated exclusively at the Chancher hatchery in Kashmir, while other hatcheries primarily focus on rainbow trout. Given the demand for fast-growing fish in our streams, we have successfully implemented this initiative,” he said.
AD Fisheries expressed gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kulgam, the Principal Secretary, the Chief Secretary, and the Director of Fisheries for their support. “Their focus on improving genetic quality and preventing genetic depression has been crucial. While we had already replaced rainbow trout stocks, this is the first time we have received first-generation brown trout seeds,” he added.
He further said that once the eggs mature, the department will rear them at the hatchery and later release them into various streams and upper reaches of Kulgam to enhance brown trout angling opportunities.
“Securing this consignment from Denmark was a long process. Besides, the department has developed a new hatchery in Kulgam that operates with spring water, which has lower turbidity. This environment is more suitable for hatching these eggs and will help us obtain the best-quality brown trout,” the AD said.
Meanwhile, in press statement, District Development Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan said that they envision Kulgam as a pioneer in trout angling, given its picturesque freshwater streams, such as the Ahrabal stream, the Veshow stream, and their tributaries.
He added that stocking these streams and promoting sport fishing will make Kulgam a major contributor to eco-tourism.
