PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
Uttarakhand’s Fisheries sector achieved a historic milestone on entering the international market. As a first, five tonnes of Himalayan trout fish was exported from the State to neighbouring Nepal. The State’s Fisheries minister Saurabh Bahuguna, who is also the district in-charge minister, flagged off the first consignment virtually. “This first consignment, sent from the border district Pithoragarh to Nepal, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the State’s fisheries sector,” he declared.
Notably, thanks to the State government’s initiative, the Himalayan trout produced in the mountainous regions is now gaining access to the international market. Previously, as part of the first phase of fish marketing in the State, these fishes had been supplied to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
Importantly, Uttarkashi district supplied the largest quantity of trout, weighing about 130 quintals. This successful supply to ITBP enthused the local fish breeders from Uttarkashi into thinking of the export market.
To make this ambitious plan a success, the Fisheries department has specifically developed a cold-chain system, state-of-the-art packaging and robust transportation systems, ensuring high-quality fish meeting international standards reach the market safely. According to the department officials, plans are underway to further expand the export process in the future.
Bahuguna stated that opening the doors to the global market would provide direct economic benefits to the State’s local fishermen, fisheries cooperatives and self-help groups. “This initiative will not only increase the income of farmers and fishermen, but will create new employment opportunities in the mountainous regions. This will open up avenues for self-employment for youth and encourage reverse migration,” he said, adding that under the direction of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state government is continuously striving to connect local products with the national and international markets. “With the maiden export of the Himalayan trout, Uttarakhand has established a new identity in the fisheries sector,” he added.
