A new fish feed mill with a production capacity of 9000 tonne per annum, is to open next year in North Kashmir, officials from the state commented this week.
The feed mill is expected to cost Rs 10.70 cr, and will be fully automatic. It will go towards meeting the demands of local fish farmers, and encouraging aquaculture in the region.
Located in Manasbal in Bandipora district, north Kashmir, the fish feed mill is expected to be commissioned by next year.
The Manasbal feed mill is equipped with an extrusion line, allowing it to create floating pellets which will float on the surface giving enough time for the trout to take in the feed.
Director of the Fisheries department, R.K. Dogra told how last financial year the department had produced 43.55 lakh fingerlings of various fish species, and how they had distributed the stock into the wild as well as to fish pond owners.
The fisheries have established 39 ponds in total, including 8 nursery ponds.
R.K. Dogra explained that about 163 lakh fingerlings have been produced in the farm, while the department has distributed and stocked 172 lakh fingerlings into the region up til now.
Aquaculture in Jammu and Kashmir state is a growing industry and the government is encouraging locals and particularly the youth of the state to get involved in the profitable business.
The fisheries department currently operates a feed mill at Kokernag in the state, which was installed a few decades ago
