| Scientists-Farmers Interaction for trout farming in Himachal Pradesh |
|
| Interaction with trout farmers of Kullu-Manali district |
| An Interaction was held with trout growers of Kullu-Manali and Lahul- Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Discussion was held to identify the problem and prospects of trout farming in the area. The local KVK, Bajoura facilitated the visit to the trout farmers. During the discussion farmers interacted on various aspects of trout farming such as farm management, feeding and fish health. Following problems were highlighted by the farmers of the area. |
|
- Slow growth of fish stock due to inbreeding.
- Unavailability of sufficient feed and high price of feed.
- Poor recovery of trout larvae due to unavailability of quality starter feed
- Low sale price of trout (@ Rs. 300/kg) which has been fixed by the State Fisheries Department.
- Poaching and illegal fishing using electric current and bleaching powder in the nearby stream which is affecting the farm.
- Lack of knowledge and expertise for different post-harvest methodology for trout dishes.
- Lack of knowledge regarding farm management
- Lack of awareness related with fish health.
|
|
| There are more or less 20 trout growers in the Kullu-Manali districts and most of them are having similar kind of problems. After interacting with the farmer it was realized that there is a need to impart training for farm management and value addition in order to facilitate the farmers for best farm management practices and to introduce the new trout products in their menu for better price. Most of the restaurants at Kullu and Manali areas serve trout as delicacy but the menu contains only pan fried or grilled trout. Other new recipes would be a value addition to their product to get higher prices. |
|
|
|
| Interaction with trout farmers at Joginder Nagar, Distt- Mandi for fish health management |
|
| Field visit to private trout farmer at Joginder Nagar was made by DCFR Scientist after receiving telephonic message from the farm owner regarding eye infection in the farm. Thakur trout farm was visited and stocks were examined for disease symptoms. After investigation it was observed that around 250-300 numbers of trout are suffering from eye infection at present in the farm. This eye infection has led to mortality of the trout gradually. The clinical signs exhibited by affected fishes are; darkening of body, hemorrhages in and around the eye leading to unilateral & bilateral corneal opacity (whitish eye). This corneal opacity finally resulted into endothalmic condition and complete loss of eye in trout. Tissue samples (eye, liver, heart, spleen, kidney, gill) were collected aseptically for bacteriological analysis. Samples are under investigation at DCFR fish health laboratory for further examination. |
|
|
|
| Interaction with tribal farmers at Dalang Maidan, Lahaul-Spiti district |
|
| An interaction was made to Dalan Maidan, Lahaul- Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh to assess the feasibility of trout farming by local tribal community. A detailed discussion was held with 10 farmers of village Dalang Maidan and Sissu who showed their interest for trout farming. After intensive discussion and visit of different sites in the area three farmers were identified for starting trout farming and construction of raceways. |
|
|
|
