India is set to inaugurate its first commercial-scale tropical Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)-based Rainbow Trout Aquaculture Farm and Research Institute in Hyderabad, Telangana. The project marks a major shift in Indian aquaculture by showing that premium cold-water species can be farmed in tropical conditions through controlled systems, precision engineering and water recirculation technology.
Key Development
The Smart Green Aquaculture Farm has been established at Kandukur Mandal in Ranga Reddy district. It combines commercial farming with research and training facilities. The project is designed as a live demonstration centre for advanced aquaculture practices, automation and biosecurity.
Significance for Aquaculture
- It challenges the view that rainbow trout can only be farmed in cold climatic zones.
- It marks technology as a key factor in aquaculture viability.
- It supports year-round production of high-value fish species.
- It may help diversify India’s aquaculture beyond traditional species.
Cold-Water Fisheries in India
Cold-water fisheries are gaining importance in India due to rising demand for premium fish and better export prospects. Trout farming is concentrated in Himalayan and hill states such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. These regions benefit from snow-fed streams and well-oxygenated water.
Policy and Sectoral Push
The Department of Fisheries has promoted hatcheries, seed production and modern aquaculture systems. Annual trout seed production has reached 14 lakh. The government has also notified cold-water fisheries clusters in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Since 2015, central investments in fisheries and aquaculture have crossed Rs 38,572 crore across different schemes.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026