Centre Mulls ₹100-Crore Integrated Aqua Park in Jammu & Kashmir

In a major push to strengthen the rural economy and fisheries infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), the Government of India is considering a ₹100-crore proposal to establish an Integrated Aqua Park under Phase-II of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also virtually inaugurated a 50,000-litre UHT Milk Processing Plant in Jammu, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to livestock and aquaculture growth in the region.

Why in News?

On July 2, 2025, during a function in Srinagar, Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced a slew of initiatives to boost the fisheries and livestock sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. Among them was a proposed ₹100-crore Integrated Aqua Park, recognition of Anantnag as a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster, and the inauguration of a high-capacity UHT milk plant at Satwari, Jammu.

Key Highlights

• ₹100-crore Integrated Aqua Park under PMMSY Phase-II being considered for J&K
• Anantnag designated as a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster; Kulgam and Shopian named as partner districts
• 50,000 litres/day UHT Milk Plant inaugurated at Satwari, Jammu
• Over ₹300 crore allocated to J&K under PMMSY for infrastructure and employment

Objectives & Aims

• Develop J&K into a hub of cold-water aquaculture
• Promote inclusive growth and rural livelihoods
• Encourage youth participation in micro and small-scale fishery/livestock ventures
• Strengthen the entire aquaculture value chain, from seed production to marketing

Sectoral Achievements in J&K

Dairy Sector

• Milk production rose from 19.50 lakh tonnes (2014–15) to 28.74 lakh tonnes (2023–24) — a 47% increase
• Per capita milk availability now stands at 413 grams/day
• Women make up over 70% of dairy workforce and 32% of co-op members

Fisheries Sector

• Annual fish production increased from 20,000 MT (2013–14) to 29,000 MT (2024–25)
• Trout production grew from 262 MT to 2,380 MT — 800% growth
• Trout seed production grew from 9 million to 15.2 million
• Carp seed production rose from 40 million to 63.5 million

Infrastructure and Investment

• Import of 13.4 lakh genetically improved eyed ova of Rainbow and Brown Trout from Denmark
• Over ₹120 crore in private investment in cold-water fisheries via FIDF
• Collaborative support from institutions like NDDB and NFDB

Broader Significance

• Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India goals
• Positions J&K as a national leader in cold-water fisheries
• Ensures sustainable livelihood, nutrition security, and rural prosperity
• Encourages Centre-State collaboration for ground-level impact