First Commercial Tropical RAS Rainbow Trout Farm in India
Smart Green Aquaculture Limited has established India’s first commercial-scale tropical Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)–based Rainbow Trout Farm and Research Institute at Kandukur Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Telangana. This landmark project proves that high-value cold-water species like rainbow trout can be successfully farmed year-round in tropical climates using precision engineering, controlled biological systems, and advanced water recirculation technology. This achievement redefines aquaculture possibilities in India, demonstrating that technology, not climate, is the key to high-value fish farming.
Training and Skill Development
The farm functions as a live training and demonstration hub, equipping youth with practical experience in advanced aquaculture systems, automation, and biosecurity. The initiative strengthens human capital in India’s fisheries sector and builds a skilled workforce for high-tech aquaculture operations.
Government Initiatives and Investments
The Government of India has been actively promoting aquaculture as a strategic growth sector. Since 2015, central government investments in fisheries and aquaculture have cumulatively reached Rs 38,572 crore across various schemes. The government is prioritizing modern RAS technology, species diversification, capacity building, and infrastructure development to create a market-oriented aquaculture ecosystem.
Growth of Cold Water Fisheries
Cold-water fisheries are gaining momentum as a high-potential segment of India’s aquaculture sector, particularly in Himalayan and hill states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Trout farming leverages cold, oxygen-rich waters from snow-fed rivers and streams. Advanced hatcheries in these regions now produce over 14 lakh trout seeds annually, generating employment and contributing to regional economic growth.
Strategic Importance and Exports
Trout farming represents a high-value segment with strategic importance for domestic and export markets. By adopting advanced aquaculture technologies like RAS, the government is enabling sustainable, year-round production, enhancing farmer incomes, reducing regional constraints, and positioning India as a global player in aquaculture exports.
Cold Water Fisheries Clusters
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, has also notified plans to develop cold-water fisheries clusters in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. These clusters aim to further expand trout production, build local capacities, and create employment opportunities in remote regions.
