STRATEGIC PLANNING, POLICY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS TO PROMOTE RAINBOW TROUT Oncorhynchus mykiss FARMING IN INDIA

The Himalayan states of India namely J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh have plentiful water to raise trout which is a low volume high value species and health food.There are number of government farms and hatcheries in different states yet the production has been limited. Of late private farmers adopted trout farming practices that have helped the process of elevating the trout production from mere 147 tonnes to over 1000 tonnes per annum. Considering the huge gap between the actual and prospective trout production, a GIS based mapping of trout potential area/streams, scientific management of trout culture to intensify rainbow trout production keeping in view the water budgeting.Laying the base for genetic improvement programs, genetic variability in different rainbow trout stocks has been characterized using DNA marker technologies to draw strategic breeding programme to manage the introduced fish.Cost-effective feeds with better-feed conversion ratio have been developed forfostering growth and production on the sustainable use of feed ingredients. Farm operation and activities like fish seed transportation are being scientifically optimized to support the private trout growers.To minimize land and water usage in trout culture, water recirculation system has been developed on trial basis. Moreover, rainbow trout brood banking and triploid production trials have also been initiated beside comprehensive disease surveillance and developed diagnostic/control methods. The concept of cluster farming modules and culture chains are also gradually sensitized and promoted through institutional support by sharing technical knowledge and science base culture technology that facilitate high returns on investment. All these multipronged strategies have been understood stimulating vertical and horizontal expansion of trout production in India.Due to the increased health consciousness and increased purchasing power of the consumers, meeting demand oforganic trout production in future should be ensured.Further, it is also advocated that the value of recreational fishing tourism in the different areasshould also beenabled to clinch the economic influences of different management actions, such as fishingregulations, in addition to their biological effects. The paper presents proposals on priorities, planning and policy related to trout farming in India.