The ICAR-Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, has formulated, validated and developed a high protein-energy rainbow trout grower feed through a series of laboratory and pilot scale experiments. To demonstrate the performance efficiency and production economics of this grower feed, an on-farm production trial was conducted at Ammadzoo village, Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir from October 2021 to July 2022. To highlight and share the very significant and promising findings with the farmers and other important stakeholders, a field demonstration programme cum workshop was organised at the farm site in Anantnag, on 6thAugust 2022.Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General, ICAR Fisheries Division; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST; Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey, Director, ICAR-DCFR; Shri Irshad Ahmed Shah, Director, Department of Fisheries, Kashmir; and Shri Syed Naseer Ahmad, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Anantnag, graced the occasion. The programme was attended by 120 participants including farmers, professors from SKUAST, Jammu and Kashmir fisheries department officials, industry representativesand interested public.
At the outset, Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey briefed the gathering about the main purpose and significant results of the rainbow trout feed demonstration, with respect tohigher growth rate (+40%), biomass gain (+45%), feed efficiency (+31%) and economic prospects (+48% net profit). Following that, Scientist and Principal Investigator, Dr. Biju Sam Kamalam presented the details of ICAR-DCFR’s rainbow trout feed research and development programme, and the salient findings of the feed demonstration trial. The farmer adopted for the demonstration,Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Mir, then shared his personal observations about the major benefits of using ICAR-DCFR’s rainbow trout feed.
Prof. Ganai appreciated the efforts of ICAR-DCFR in conducting this field demonstration at Anantnag, and expressed his views on the complex interactions of feed performance with environmental parameters and fish health.The chief guest, Dr. Jena explained the gathered farmers and officials about the continuous efforts of ICAR in improving the quality and efficiency of rainbow trout feed, and the role of a good feed in augmenting benefits for the farmer, consumer and environment. He also interacted with the farmers and answered their questions about the cost of feed and flesh quality considerations. Finally, the dignitaries, farmers and other participants visited the demonstration raceways and witnessed the results. This programme was organised by Dr. Pramod Kumar Pandey and coordinated by ICAR-DCFR scientists Dr. Biju Sam Kamalam, Dr. Rajesh, M. and Mr. Parvaiz Ahmed Ganie.
