Srinagar, Mar 14 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday stressed the need to adopt scientific methods and sustainable practices to strengthen the cold water fisheries sector in the Union Territory.
Speaking at the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, as per news agency JKNS, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said research and modern techniques must be effectively utilised to expand the sector while ensuring that natural resources and fish stock are not harmed.
He said the government must also focus on the economic potential of fisheries and explore ways to increase the earnings of people associated with the sector. Referring to climate change, Abdullah noted that weather patterns are rapidly changing, pointing out that unusually warm temperatures were witnessed in Srinagar in February this year.
The Chief Minister said that due to the early bloom of flowers, the opening of the famous Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden opening has been scheduled earlier than usual. He added that such climatic changes could also impact sectors like fisheries and therefore require careful planning and scientific intervention.
Highlighting the significance of the conference, Abdullah said the event will provide an opportunity for experts and stakeholders to share experiences and learn from best practices followed in other regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the Northeastern states.
He further said that trout farming in Kashmir has a history of more than a century, noting that the first trout was introduced in the region around 1900. He added that the Union Territory’s long experience in cold water fisheries should be utilised to further strengthen the sector.
Abdullah expressed hope that with focused attention and coordinated efforts, India will continue to rise as one of the leading fish-producing countries in the world, while Jammu and Kashmir will have a special role in the development of cold water fisheries. (JKNS)