In Jammu and Kashmir State, there is a huge network of water resources which are usually in the shape of cold water streams, perennial rivers, lakes, reservoirs, sars, irrigation canals and several high altitude lakes. Besides, there are a great number of community and private ponds which may plays an important role in the fish production enhancement for state. As per the website of Department of Fisheries J&K Government, total fish production of the state was about 20.70 thousand tons (2017-18). Out of which 482 tons was contributed by trout fish. Due to its vast network of aquatic resources, fish and fisheries of Jammu and Kashmir State has great scope and potential to grow and develop exponentially. The State has great potential to promote diversified fisheries in terms of its unique agro-climatic conditions. The Jammu and Kashmir state comprises of three regions viz. Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Due to varied climatic conditions in these three regions, all have the great potential to develop and promote the various commercially important fish species. Jammu division itself has unique agro climatic conditions and offers potential for the development of both warm as well as cold water fisheries. Most of the districts of Jammu Province such as Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch offer great potential for the warm water and/or cold water fisheries and aquaculture. While in Kashmir valley, the temperate climate is favourable only for the development of cold water fisheries and aquaculture. The areas of Ladakh regions which comprise of Leh and Kargil are suitable for the development of cold water fisheries and Aquaculture. In all these regions some varieties of carp and/or trout are already introduced and cultured successfully and some farmers are earnings handsome income. There is great untapped potential in fisheries sector. On national level only one third of freshwater aquaculture and small portion of brackish water resources have been utilized for aquaculture. Reservoirs fisheries is also highly under-utilized (Av. annual yield – only 20 Kg/ha). A great amount of waste land in the farmer’s field as well as water logged land is also available in the state which may find a potential use in aquaculture sector. Many farmers are now gets attentive about the benefits/profits of aquaculture and thus coming forward for the adoption of Aquaculture along with traditional agriculture. In the coming years, it is hopeful that the fish production of the state will grow exponentially and the wide gap between the demand and supply will be minimized.

Keywords: Fish farming; Aquaculture; Culture system.