Climate change affecting Kashmir’s ecosystem: CM
Says use science, sustainability to boost cold-water fisheries
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday stressed the need to adopt scientific research, modern technology and sustainable practices to strengthen cold-water fisheries in Jammu and Kashmir while safeguarding natural resources.
Addressing the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, CM Omar said universities and research institutions must play a key role in developing new techniques that can help revive and expand the sector.
He said the government must ensure that fisheries development remains sustainable so that freshwater ecosystems are protected and fish stocks are not depleted.
“Science and research have to guide us on what new techniques can be used and what kind of studies are needed so that cold-water fisheries can get a fresh boost,” he said.
The Chief Minister said economic development of people associated with the sector should remain a priority, adding that efforts must focus on increasing and safeguarding the income of fish farmers.
Referring to changing climatic patterns, Abdullah said rising temperatures are already being witnessed in Kashmir. “Who would have imagined that Srinagar would witness such warm weather in February? Even flowers started blooming on trees much earlier than usual,” he said.
He further noted that the early blooming of flowers has also led to the early opening of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Opening at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, which he said reflects how climate change is affecting natural cycles.
Omar said such environmental changes will also have an impact on cold-water fisheries, making it essential to adopt innovative approaches and learn from best practices across the country.
He said hosting the conference in Kashmir provides an opportunity to exchange experiences with other hill states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand as well as states in the Northeast India.
Highlighting Kashmir’s long association with trout farming, Abdullah said the region has more than a century of experience in the sector since trout was first introduced in 1900.
“Our 126-year experience should not go to waste. We must share our knowledge and also learn what others are doing better,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that with focused attention and policy support, India will continue to strengthen its position among leading fish-producing nations while Jammu and Kashmir secures a special place in cold-water fisheries.
He further welcomed the delegates participating in the conference and said such platforms would help stakeholders learn from each other and collectively move towards strengthening the sector.
The event was held in Srinagar attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Fisheries S. P. Singh Baghel and J&K Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar, Secretary Fisheries Government of India Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture J&K Ashish Chandra among others.
“We heard about a young entrepreneur in Hyderabad who has established a facility producing around 200 metric tonnes of trout. This shows that technology can overcome geographical limitations. It also means that regions like ours must improve techniques and adopt modern scientific practices to stay ahead,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government has a responsibility to support fishermen and aquaculture entrepreneurs who depend on fisheries for their livelihoods.
“Our responsibility is to strengthen those who have taken up fisheries as their livelihood. We must help them increase production, improve infrastructure in remote areas and ensure better post-production facilities,” he said.
Omar Abdullah expressed confidence that collaborative efforts between the Centre, states and stakeholders would further strengthen India’s fisheries sector.
“Fish production in the world has reached new heights. With the focused attention now being given to this sector and the creation of a dedicated ministry, I am confident that the day is not far when India will be among the leading countries in fish production globally. In that journey, cold water fisheries will hold a special place,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister welcomed delegates from across the country and expressed hope that the conference would result in meaningful knowledge exchange and future collaboration.
