Trout farming reaps profits in Sikkim

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Trout farming is becoming popular in Sikkim as farmers reap rich profits due to a spurt in production on the heels of a good breeding period and provincial government's assistance.

The directorate of fisheries under animal husbandry, livestock, fisheries and veterinary services is coming up with a separate fish stall for locally produced fish variety, especially the carp and trout species at Gangtok, in a bid to provide a readymade marketing outlet.

Considering this move, the officials visited the fish farms to take a stock of the situation.

A trout fish farmer, Sonam Lepcha hailed the department's initiative and said that he was informing the locals about the benefits of trout farming.

"I am very happy that this fishing scheme has been introduced. From this 50 x 17 meters tank, I can sell and earn around $ 3,534.79. Through me, rest of the village residents can know the benefit of trout fish and in future I am planning to set up hatcheries and sell this fish through department outlet," said Lepcha.

The duration of the breeding season is four to five months and the perfect and suitable time of breeding of trout fish starts from November and concludes in the month of March.

D. P Sharma, secretary, directorate of fisheries under animal husbandry, livestock, fisheries and veterinary services, said that the production of trout fish has considerably increased.

"Our Sikkim is developing fast as the production of trout fish has increased tremendously. It has a good market over here," said Sharma.

Meanwhile, with the increase in demand, the fisheries department has privatized trout farms.

The efforts to increase production have been fuelled by the need to meet the local demand for trout fish, which has significantly increased with the change in the dietary habits of locals.

The farmers are showing great interest in trout farming as the demand of rainbow trout in the market within and outside the province has increased.

The trout fish farmers are also provided adequate training by the fisheries department.