Overview of Fisheries in Himachal Pradesh
Fish production in Himachal Pradesh has shown a consistent upward trend in recent years. The total fish production increased from 14,020.14 metric tonnes (MT) in 2019-20 to 17,721.64 MT in 2023-24. Correspondingly, the total value of this fish production rose from ₹184.44 crore in 2019-20 to ₹273.49 crore in 2023-24.
The state’s fisheries are primarily based on its rivers and reservoirs. The working population engaged in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing constitutes 58.4% of the total, indicating the importance of these allied sectors.
Government Initiatives and Developments
The Department of Fisheries in Himachal Pradesh has undertaken several initiatives to boost the sector:
- Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS):
- A warm water RAS has been successfully established at Carp Farm Nalagarh, District Solan, where the culture of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Pangas) was successful (May 2023).
- A new fish species, Piaractus brachypomus (Pacu or Rupchanda), was introduced into this RAS on a pilot basis in May 2024.
- A coldwater RAS has been established at Trout Fish Farm Patlikuhal, District Kullu, with a project cost of ₹1.28 crore to promote Rainbow Trout farming at a commercial level. This project was commissioned in July 2024, and 6,000 Rainbow Trout fingerlings were stocked in the first phase.
- Memoranda of Understanding (MoU):
- An MoU was signed with ICAR-CIFA, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, for registering Carp Fish Farm Nalagarh as a multiplier unit of CIFA. This will ensure the supply of advanced breeder seed of Rohu (Ahir Jayanti) and improved Catla to the Nalagarh farm for brood stock rearing and further supply to state fish farmers.
- A second MoU with ICAR-CIFA concerns Carp Brood stock diet (CIFABROODTM), allowing Himachal Pradesh to use CIFA’s feed formula, which is palatable, water-stable, and made from routine feed ingredients.
- Training and Capacity Building:
- The department conducted 47 training programs for departmental staff, training 122 staff members.
- Four exposure visits were conducted for departmental staff to institutions like CIFA Bhubaneswar, NFDB-Hyderabad, DCFR-Bhimtal, and CIFRI-Barrackpur.
- 24 training sessions/Chetna Shivirs were conducted for fish farmers/fishermen, imparting training to 1200 individuals.
- Four workshops/conferences were conducted on topics like the establishment of carp fish brood banks, the importance of improved fish varieties and feed, purchasing on GeM, and improvisation of seed stocking in state reservoirs.
- River Ranching Programme:
- In a first for the state, the department stocked 15.43 lakh advanced fish fingerlings of native Carp species in 32 rivers/rivulets during FY 2023-24 to conserve riverine fisheries wealth.
- Introduction of New Fish Strains:
- The genetically improved fish strain of Common Carp, the Amur Carp, has been introduced.
- Reservoir Fisheries Management:
- Fishing in reservoirs like Pong Dam is done commercially by cooperative societies. Gill nets are the primary fishing gear, and fishing is banned during the breeding season (June 15 to August 15).
- The Fisheries Department charges a 15% royalty on fish sales by fishermen and levies an annual license fee for gill nets.
- Stocking of fish seed is regularly done by the department in reservoirs.
Interesting Facts about Fisheries in Himachal Pradesh
| Feature | Details | Source(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Dominant Commercial Fish (Pong Reservoir) | Sperata seenghala (catfish) was the most dominant species, contributing 65% of the catch at most landing centers. Tor putitora (Golden Mahseer) also significantly contributed. | |
| Rainbow Trout Farming Pioneer | Himachal Pradesh became the first state in India to introduce commercial Rainbow Trout farming in the private sector in 1997, following technology transfer from Norway. | |
| High Altitude Fisheries | The Rongtong Hydel Project (2 MW) in Lahaul-Spiti, located at 3,600 meters, was the first hydel project executed for the socio-economic upliftment of tribals, indicating fisheries activities in high-altitude regions. | |
| Fluctuating Water Spread (Pong Reservoir) | The water spread area of Pong Reservoir significantly fluctuates, from a high of 24,177 ha in monsoon to a low of 16,796 ha in pre-monsoon. | |
| Fishing Gear Regulation | Only gill nets of 80–140 mm mesh size and rod and line are allowed in Pong Reservoir. | |
| Fishermen Cooperatives | 15 cooperative societies are involved in fishing in Pong Reservoir, with 3,991 registered fishers and 2,995 license holders. | |
| Fish Seed Stocking | The department actively stocks fish seed in reservoirs to maintain fish populations. | |
| New Species Introduction | The department is actively introducing new and improved fish species/strains like Pangas, Pacu, and Amur Carp to diversify aquaculture. |
The fisheries sector in Himachal Pradesh, supported by targeted government schemes and the active participation of local communities, continues to evolve, contributing to the state’s economy and providing a vital source of livelihood for many.