Srinagar, Mar 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for a tech-driven push to supercharge cold-water fisheries in Jammu and Kashmir, blending modern research, sustainable practices, and climate smarts to protect fish farmers’ livelihoods while shielding pristine freshwater ecosystems.
Speaking at the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries at SKICC, Omar stressed universities must pioneer new techniques to expand trout farming—a sector with 126 years of Kashmir’s know-how since 1900. “Science guides us on revival methods; economic gains for farmers can’t wait,” he said, spotlighting rising temperatures bringing freak February warmth and early tulip blooms as red flags for fish stocks.
He pushed peer-learning with Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Northeast states, eyeing J&K’s spot as India’s cold-water fisheries hub. “Climate’s reshaping nature—let’s innovate to stay ahead,” Omar urged, welcoming delegates to swap stories and build a resilient future for families tied to these vital waters.
