The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying announced on 19 October 2026 that a review meeting was held to discuss the Pithoragarh Coldwater Fisheries Cluster and the future of trout farming in Himalayan states. The government has notified 34 fisheries clusters nationwide, including one in Pithoragarh, and is planning a roadmap for the next five years to address gaps in production and infrastructure. The initiative aims to benefit trout farmers and entrepreneurs by improving market linkages, cold-chain facilities, and procurement by armed forces like the ITBP. The release does not say when these specific infrastructure improvements take effect.
Key points
- 34 fisheries clusters have been notified across India, including Pithoragarh.
- A roadmap for the Coldwater Fisheries Cluster Programme covers the next five years.
- Uttarakhand is the first Himalayan state to export trout to Nepal and supply the ITBP.
- Focus areas include improving trout seed availability, feed supply, and cold-chain infrastructure.
- Himalayan states are encouraged to explore MoUs to supply trout to the ITBP and other armed forces.
When it applies
Counted from 2026-10-19, dated 19 October 2026.
- Review meeting on Pithoragarh Coldwater Fisheries Cluster
- Next five years roadmap for the Coldwater Fisheries Cluster Programme
Who it affects
- fisheries clusters