Current status and strategies of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farming in India

Abstract

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss has established itself as prime cultivable coldwater species in the Indian Himalayan regions and now farmed on commercial scale. Its production has increased markedly in last ten years (2004 - 2014) from 147.0 to 834.0 tonnes, with a growth rate of 31 percent per annum. Availability of technical know-how of trout farming, breeding and artificial diets has immensely helped in promoting aquaculture of trout in the country. Northwestern Himalayan region is the major producer of rainbow trout (81.2%) while contribution from central and northeastern regions of the country is meagre. In spite of increase in production in recent years, number of issues such as improvement in infrastructure and culture practices in terms of broodstock management, feeding, stock handling and health management need consideration. Supply of inputs such as seed and feed as well as marketing was identified as major constraints in the expansion of trout farming in India. Further increase in total production requires more ingenious and scientific ways of rainbow trout farming which have been highlighted in the present article. For sustainable development of rainbow trout farming in India, constant support and cohesion of policy makers, research organizations and concerned line departments is important.