Mandi’s Barot region emerges key hub for trout fish farming

The Barot region of Mandi district is rapidly gaining recognition as a major centre for trout fish farming, thanks to its cold climate and perennial rivers like the Uhl and its tributary Lambadag, which offer ideal conditions for trout cultivation. This picturesque region is not only emerging as a prominent spot for trout production but is also becoming a favourite destination for angling enthusiasts and eco-tourists.

Recognising the potential of the region, the state government is actively promoting trout farming—especially Brown and Rainbow trout—through the Fisheries Department. Recently, 35,000 fish seeds were released into the Uhl and Lambadag rivers, including 25,000 Brown trout and 10,000 Rainbow trout, all of which were produced at the state-owned Barot Trout Farm.

These efforts are part of a broader government initiative to promote self-employment and sustainable livelihoods through aquaculture, especially in remote and ecologically rich regions like Barot. The initiative not only benefits local youth but also provides a boost to tourism and the hospitality sector in the area. Angling sites have been officially identified to attract tourists who enjoy fishing as a recreational activity. In addition, the local demand for trout from hotels and restaurants is steadily increasing.

According to official sources, to support and strengthen the fish farming community, the state government has provided significant financial assistance. A grant of Rs 1.80 crore has been extended to 33 farmers in the district for the construction of trout raceways. Moreover, under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP), the Coldwater Fisheries Research Directorate in Bhimtal allocated Rs 3.02 lakh for training trout farmers under the Barot Trout Farm initiative. Out of this, 25 farmers received materials worth Rs 10,000 each as part of the subsidy.

Highlighting the growing success of local farmers, two progressive trout farmers from the district recently exported Rainbow Trout eyed ova from their private hatcheries to the state of Uttarakhand, showcasing Barot’s emerging role in inter-state aquaculture trade.

So far, 175 youths in Mandi district have been trained in trout fish farming, steering them toward self-employment. Additionally, the Fisheries Department is registering all associated individuals on the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), enabling them to gain access to government schemes and build a digital identity. As of now, 362 farmers in the district have completed their registration.

During the 2024–25 fiscal year, 48 trout farmers from the district have been integrated into the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Furthermore, 16 beneficiaries received financial aid under state-sponsored schemes for the construction of carp ponds. To encourage responsible fishing, 1,043 individuals have been issued fishing permits in rivers and streams across the district.

DC Apoorv Devgan emphasised that all fisheries-related schemes in the district are being implemented in a time-bound manner to strengthen the economic condition of trout farmers. Given the vast potential of the Barot region, the district administration is ensuring that necessary infrastructure, training, and support are made available to boost trout production.

With continued support from the government and growing interest among local youth and tourists, Barot is well on its way to becoming a flagship model for coldwater aquaculture and rural entrepreneurship in Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Tribune