The ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR) in Bhimtal has been instrumental in developing and commercializing advanced feeds and RAS technology tailored for coldwater fish production in Indian uplands. Notably, three high-performance feeds—starter, grower, and brooder—are designed to enhance growth rates, feed efficiency, size uniformity, flesh quality, and reproductive competence.
A major development in this field is the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) between ICAR-DCFR and Growel Feeds Ltd. This collaboration aims to transfer and license rainbow trout feed package technology, a critical step towards scaling up trout production across India.
Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director of ICAR-DCFR, emphasized the transformative potential of these innovations for India's aquaculture landscape. The adoption of RAS technology could lead to a hundredfold reduction in water use, while boosting rainbow trout productivity fourfold within shorter culture durations.
More About Rainbow Trout and RAS
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), known for its suitability to cold-water environments, is gaining traction in India's aquaculture sector, particularly in the Himalayan states. With its high market value and increasing demand both locally and internationally, Rainbow Trout farming presents significant potential for expansion.
Rainbow Trout thrives in environments characterized by crystal-clear, highly oxygenated waters—qualities often found in the water systems of the Himalayan states. This species requires temperatures ranging from 5°C to 18°C, conditions prevalent in regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh.
Overseas, Rainbow Trout farming has flourished using Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS). This land-based aquaculture method allows judicious water usage, overcoming many challenges faced by traditional trout farmers.
