Himachal CM Sukhu Calls for Modern Technology and New Infrastructure to Strengthen Fisheries Sector

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Fisheries Department to adopt modern technology to enhance the quality and shelf life of fish produce in Himachal Pradesh. Chairing a review meeting of the department here today, the Chief Minister said the state government would soon establish new hatcheries and cold storage facilities along rivers and water reservoirs to support farmers involved in fish farming. He instructed officials to identify suitable land for setting up these cold storage units across the state.

Emphasizing the government’s focus on strengthening the rural economy, the Chief Minister said that the fisheries sector plays a crucial role in improving farmers’ livelihoods. He directed the department to extend technical assistance and financial support to fish farmers to help increase their income. The state government, he said, is already offering subsidies on fisheries-related equipment and encouraged the department to organize awareness programs on modern fish farming practices, improved seed varieties, and new technologies.

Mr. Sukhu also called for increasing fish seed stocking in dams and water reservoirs across the state from the next season, noting that this would help raise the income of local farmers. He instructed officials to assess the seed requirements for the coming year and prepare accordingly.

Highlighting the sector’s progress, the Chief Minister said that fish production in the state is steadily increasing — 19,019 metric tonnes were recorded in 2024–25, and 7,773 metric tonnes have already been achieved this year up to October. Himachal Pradesh, he noted, is well known for trout fish production, and the government plans to create a corpus fund to compensate trout rearers for losses caused by natural calamities.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, MLAs Sanjay Awasthy, Neeraj Nayyar, Malender Rajan, and Vivek Sharma, along with Director of Fisheries Vivek Chandel and other senior officials.