The future of the Pithoragarh Coldwater Fisheries Cluster was reviewed at a meeting chaired by Fisheries Secretary Dr Abhilaksh Likhi at the Collectorate in Uttarakhand on 19 October 2026. Participants joined in person and online. They included ITBP Additional Director General Sanjay Kumar Gunjyal, Joint Secretary Gunjan Krishna, ICAR fisheries official Dr J. K. Jena, NFDB CEO Dr B. K. Behera, MPEDA Chairman P. Jawahar, District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Bhatgain and Uttarakhand Fisheries Director Chandra Singh Dharamshaktu. Representatives of Himalayan states, NABARD, ICAR-DCFR, MoFPI and trout farming groups also attended.
Dr Likhi pointed to the Himalayan region's coldwater conditions as an advantage for rainbow trout production. The central government has designated 34 fisheries clusters nationwide, including the coldwater cluster based in Pithoragarh.
District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Bhatgain described ongoing fisheries work in Pithoragarh. He identified stronger buyer relationships, more value-added trout products and improved prices for producers as areas needing attention. The district administration, he said, would coordinate with the Fisheries Department on these issues.
NFDB CEO Dr B. K. Behera presented the cluster programme, identifying needs across both the stages before production and those after harvesting. His presentation also covered a proposed development plan for the coming five years.
Joint Secretary Gunjan Krishna stressed collaboration across agencies and the practical role of technology in coldwater fish farming. She also called for investment in facilities needed across the fisheries value chain.
The Secretary encouraged Himalayan states to consider supply agreements with the ITBP and other armed forces through coordination with the central Fisheries Department. ITBP official Sanjay Kumar Gunjyal highlighted demand for trout among units in north-eastern states such as Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Trout farmers raised concerns about selling prices, access to training and affordable high-quality feed. Fish farmer Rekha Joshi described producing fish balls, fish fingers and fish momos, with sales of roughly ₹5,000 a day. A farmer from Munsiyari said current trout supply rates to ITBP were low when transport and feed expenses were taken into account.
Officials discussed the availability of trout seed and feed, farm productivity, cold storage, scientific advice and market access throughout the Himalayan region. Dr Likhi asked for carefully prepared detailed project reports to be submitted to NFDB, covering needs before, during and after production as part of the future cluster roadmap.
Startups and other entrepreneurs, the Secretary said, should have a larger role in coldwater fisheries. Cold storage near airports and railway stations could help with moving trout and developing export opportunities. He also advocated cooperation among departments, fisheries cooperatives and security forces including ITBP to expand procurement from Himalayan states.
MPEDA Chairman P. Jawahar recommended better technical training and export preparation for farmers. He drew attention to processing, quality management, post-harvest handling and product development as ways to increase competitiveness and improve access to domestic and overseas buyers.
ICAR Deputy Director General Dr J. K. Jena outlined the organisation's research and technical assistance to trout clusters. This includes promoting scientific aquaculture, developing skills and working towards more sustainable coldwater fisheries.