Jammu & Kashmir’s leading business conglomerate, the Khyber Group, has launched India’s largest, fully integrated, sustainable Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) based Himalayan trout farming facility in Kashmir.
Khyber Aquaculture is aimed at transforming the region’s trout industry into an integrated, export-oriented ecosystem by linking advanced aquaculture technology with local farming communities.
“Our technologically superior facility is an expansion of cold-water aquaculture in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Umar Tramboo, CMD of Khyber Aquaculture.
“Our cluster model is designed to integrate production, hatcheries, processing and supply chains while supporting more than 300 local farmers under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme through modern aquaculture systems and market access.”
Year-round production
Built on an eight-acre site with an investment exceeding ₹100 crore, the project aims to strengthen commercial fish farming through year-round trout production, export-focused processing and data-driven aquaculture technology.
The facility currently has a production capacity of 1,500 metric tonnes, with plans to scale to 7,000 metric tonnes annually within three to five years.
Its hatchery can produce up to 20 million fingerlings each year, supporting the growth of India’s cold-water aquaculture sector and expanding market access for regional producers.
Khyber Aquaculture said the project is expected to generate more than 3,000 indirect livelihood opportunities while supporting local fish farming communities with advanced production systems and export-ready infrastructure.
The company has adopted a comprehensive sustainability framework encompassing water recirculation, biosecurity management, responsible feed practices, waste management, and environmental monitoring. Through RAS technology, the facility significantly reduces freshwater requirements while ensuring optimal fish health and production efficiency.
Khyber Aquaculture’s processing facility blends Himalayan Glacial water with Danish, French, and Swedish technology, featuring IoT-enabled, zero-waste farming and advanced cold-chain infrastructure.
