March 29, 2012
Northern India to launch first trout fish feed mill in April 2012
The northern states of India, Jammu and Kashmir have plans to launch the first trout fish feed mill (TFFM) by April 2012 at an amount of INR10 crore (US$2 million) after an all-time record fish output of 19.8 tonnes.
The Manasbal trout feed mill would be operational by April 2012 to boost trout production in the state and ensure availability of feed to the government and private fish farms, Minister of State for Fisheries Ajaz Ahmed Khan said.
He said the plant will be equipped with latest machinery procured from the Netherlands for which the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has provided 90% funds.
The Minister said the department is on the path of expansion and four new trout hatcheries are being added this year at a cost of INR30 lakh (EUR45,000; US$59,983) each. Six more hatcheries will be added next year.
He said NFDB has released an amount of INR2.37 crores (EUR55,000; US$73,312) during the current financial year for upgrading of infrastructure, including construction and renovation of trout hatcheries and nurseries.