Kashmiri women start trout farming for economic empowerment

SRINAGAR, NOV 06: Beauty Jan, a 23-year-old woman from Akad village in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, had a deep passion for farming. A few years ago, she discovered from a newspaper article that several women in Kashmir had ventured into fish farming. In 2021, she set up her own Trout fish farm on her parents’ three kanals of land (1 hectare is approximately 20 kanals).
The fish farm cost her Rs 5,50,000, with 40 percent of the expenses covered by a government subsidy and the rest was supported by her family.

“My family wholeheartedly supported me in this venture. I received training from the fisheries department on fish rearing and conducted extensive research to master the nuances of fish farming, including water quality management and feeding schedules,” she said.
When she initially established her farm, she acquired 6,000 fish seeds. Currently, her farm houses 18,000 fish seeds. “During the first year, we didn’t generate any income, as it takes 12 months for a Trout to reach a weight of 300 grams. However, in 2022, we earned approximately Rs 10 lakh, while the annual costs for feed and other necessities amounted to Rs 3-4 lakh,” she explained.
Each day, she would meticulously tend to her fish, ensuring they had the right food, clean water, and enough space to grow. As the fish matured, she began selling them.
“We sell fish to a variety of dealers who, in turn, distribute these fish to restaurants and markets. Additionally, we have direct customers who purchase fish from them. Each kilogram costs Rs 400-500,” she said while mentioning that her father and brothers assist in the fish-rearing process.
Over the years, the fish farm became a symbol of resilience and success in her Anantnag district. In Anantnag district of south Kashmir, over 300 fisheries farms have been established, often with governmental support. In June 2018, Anantnag was designated as the trout fish district of India, further emphasizing its significance in this sector.
In the picturesque region of Kashmir, numerous women, much like Beauty Jan, have ventured into the world of trout fish farming. These enterprising individuals have not only bolstered their family incomes but have also driven positive societal change, showcasing their excellence in unconventional roles.
Official statistics reveal a remarkable increase in trout fish production, surging from 650 tonnes in 2019 to an impressive 2000 tonnes in 2023, marking a remarkable 300 percent upswing in the last three years.
Iqra Jan, a 20-year-old resident of Pethnoo Salar in Anantnag district, embarked on her fish farming journey in 2021. Learning about the success of fellow women in starting their Trout farms, she sought guidance from the Agriculture Department. With two kanals of land at her disposal, Iqra ventured into trout farming, where each kilogram of Trout is valued between Rs 400 and Rs 500. “We earn an annual income of Rs 6 lakh from Trout sales,” she said.
Determined to be self-reliant, she dedicates a few hours each day to her farm while focusing the rest of her time on her studies. “I have managed to save a good amount over the years. Seeing our success my uncle also decided to establish his own farm,” she said.