The constant efforts of Department of Fisheries Budgam in boosting the fish production of both carp and trout have started reaping dividends. As per the data received, the department during 2015-16 has yielded a production of 1034.83 Qtls. of Carp fish and 3817.16 Qtls. of trout fish, besides 96910 number of carp fish seeds and 62450 numbers of trout fish seeds were hatched during the same period, registering a manifold increase.
Presently, the department is producing trout fish at three units located at Khag, Beerwah and Basant Wudar Khan Sahib. Of these 3 units, the pond at Khag has vast capacity to produce high quality trout. The unit at Khag is also being used for raising seed stocking to next level so that these seeds could be distributed in the micro fish units.The construction of modern Trout Rearing Unit at Surisyar Chadoora is in full swing. The indoor facility for trout fish rearing is being created at Beeru Tehsil under Centrally Sponsored Scheme RUVY.
The district tremendous potential of fish farming and the efforts are afoot to identify the feasible locations to establish more fish ponds to give further boost to fish production in district. In other parts of the district, the department has also invited private players participation wherein the interested parties would be provided requisite financial assistance and technical support from the department in establishing own fish farms. The department would extend financial and technical assistance in terms of loan and subsidy and guidance to fish farmers, besides health cover and accidental insurance would also be provided to them and their family members to instill confidence in them. The Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Mir Altaf Ahmad stressed the need for organizing awareness camps to sensitize people particularly educated youth about the schemes launched by the department for establishing fish rearing units. He said that the educated youth should take advantages of the schemes and establish fish farms which are a lucrative business. He said that there is great demand of fish in local, national and international markets where they can sell their produce hassle-free.