How trout fish farming proving game-changer for Barot economy in Himachal, focus mainly on 2 varieties

MANDI: The picturesque Barot region in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh is fast carving a niche for itself in trout fish farming, emerging as a preferred destination for both angling enthusiasts and eco-tourists.

With its ideal cold-climate conditions and pristine rivers, Barot is leading the charge in transforming the local economy through sustainable aquaculture.
Flowing through this serene valley, the Uhl river and its tributary Lambadag have proven perfect for trout breeding, particularly brown and rainbow trout.

Backed by the State Fisheries Department, these water bodies are now teeming with activity. Recently, 35,000 high-quality fish seeds, including 25,000 brown trout and 10,000 rainbow trout, were released into the rivers. These seeds were produced locally at the Government Trout Farm in Barot.

Trout farming opens new avenues of employment

Trout farming has opened new avenues of employment and entrepreneurship, especially among the local youth. Tour operators and hoteliers are also reaping benefits from the surge in tourism, driven by the growing popularity of recreational fishing.

To accommodate this interest, several angling sites have been officially designated across the region. In a major push to the sector, the state government has extended financial assistance of ₹1.80 crore to 33 trout farmers in Mandi district for the construction of trout raceways.

Under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP), ₹3.02 lakh was also received from the Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, and utilised for training farmers at the Barot Trout Farm. In addition, 25 farmers were provided grant-based equipment worth ₹10,000 each.

Adding further momentum to the district’s aquaculture efforts, two progressive trout farmers recently sold rainbow trout eyed ova from their private hatcheries to Uttarakhand, a milestone that not only strengthens their financial footing but also underlines the district’s emerging presence in the national fish farming landscape.

Digital integration and training empowerment

The Fisheries Department has trained 175 local youth in trout farming techniques, while actively registering them on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP).
This initiative is equipping farmers with a digital identity and better access to government schemes. So far, 362 fish farmers from Mandi have been registered on the NFDP.

In the fiscal year 2024–25 alone, 48 trout farmers from Mandi district were included under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

Furthermore, 16 beneficiaries received financial support for constructing carp ponds under a state-sponsored scheme. A total of 1,043 fishing licences were also issued to individuals for angling in rivers and streams, a record number reflecting the rising popularity of the practice.

Administrative support and vision ahead

Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan emphasised the administration’s commitment to ensuring the timely and effective implementation of fisheries-related schemes.
“Recognising the immense potential of trout farming in the Barot region, we are focused on equipping local fish farmers with the infrastructure and knowledge they need to succeed,” he said.

Munish Sood