Mandi’s Dildar Singh nets success story in trout fish farming

MANDI: In the quiet village of Pahlun, nestled within Masouli gram panchayat in Jogindernagar subdivision of Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, 57-year-old Dildar Singh has turned trout fish farming into his family’s primary livelihood.

Beginning with just two tanks in 2008, Singh’s venture Rainbow Trout has steadily grown, with annual production reaching 3 to 4 tonnes. This thriving enterprise generates a net income of approximately Rs 3 to 4 lakh each year.

The delectable trout from Singh’s farm has found its way to major cities across Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, Dharamshala and Manali, as well as to larger markets in Delhi and Chandigarh.

A man of cheerful and optimistic disposition, Singh has long been connected to agriculture and animal husbandry, dating back to the 1980s. He began his career by bolstering his family’s income through vegetable farming and dairy production. In 2008, upon learning about a government scheme through the Fisheries Department, he decided to take a bold step into trout farming. Singh received a subsidy of around Rs 55,000 for constructing two initial tanks and procuring feed. Over the years, with additional financial assistance in 2012-13 and again in 2016-17, he expanded his farm to include six tanks.

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Singh’s production, which started at around 1 tonne per year, has now quadrupled to nearly 4 tonnes. “Trout farming has allowed me to generate a stable income of Rs 3 to 4 lakh annually,” Singh shares. In 2017, he further expanded his operation by successfully establishing a trout hatchery, enabling him to produce and sell trout seeds to other local farmers.

Global warming, disease threaten trout production

However, Singh’s work is not without challenges. Global warming is making an impact on trout farming as rapidly melting glaciers are leading to warmer water temperatures. This, in turn, hinders trout growth and increases the risk of diseases, including fungal infections. The heavy monsoon rains add another layer of difficulty, introducing additional threats to trout production.

Recognition and training in trout farming

In recognition of his efforts, Singh was awarded the Best Farmer Award at the district level in 2014, earning a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a commendation certificate. His dedication to mastering the craft of trout farming has led him to receive extensive training, including a three-day course in 2012 at the Coldwater Fisheries Research Institute in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, and further training at Patlikuhl Trout Fish Farm and Mahseer Fish Breeding Farm in Jogindernagar.

Calls for better marketing and training facilities

Singh notes that despite his success, marketing trout to larger markets remains a significant challenge. “We rely on buses to supply our trout to cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. With better marketing support, this sector could see revolutionary changes,” he asserts.