Technology can reduce water consumption by 80% and generate an estimated annual operating surplus of ₹4–5 lakh
14 October 2026, Malla Ramgarh, Uttarakhand
ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal, unveiled a farmer-friendly, solar-powered Hybrid Recirculating Aquaculture System (Hybrid-RAS) at the farm of progressive farmer Shri Prithvi Singh in Malla Ramgarh, Uttarakhand, today. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and climate-resilient rainbow trout farming in hill regions.
Funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the field demonstration project was initiated in January 2026. The event marked the inauguration of the demonstration facility and showcased the first harvest, highlighting the system’s performance under field conditions.
The technology addresses key challenges faced by hill-region fish farmers, including water scarcity during summer, interruptions in water supply and heavy siltation during the monsoon. Compared with conventional flow-through systems, the Hybrid-RAS can reduce water consumption by approximately 80%, with an estimated energy requirement of 4–5 kWh per kilogram of fish produced.
Based on observed fish growth and harvest data, a unit comprising two nursery tanks and two grow-out tanks is projected to produce approximately one tonne of rainbow trout annually, with an initial investment of around ₹5 lakh. At an estimated selling price of ₹700 per kilogram, the unit could generate an annual gross revenue of ₹7 lakh. With operating costs estimated at ₹2–2.5 lakh, the indicative annual operating surplus could range from ₹4–5 lakh, with a projected capital payback period of approximately one year.
The field demonstration facility was inaugurated under the leadership and guidance of Dr Amit Pande, Director, ICAR-CICFR, as part of Reform Utsav 2026. Smt. Shilpi Pant, Project Director, attended the programme as Chief Guest, representing the District Magistrate, while Smt. Rajni Devrari, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Nainital, participated as Special Guest.
Around 60 farmers and other stakeholders attended the programme. The institute’s experts explained the system’s operational design, water quality management practices and potential benefits for rainbow trout farming in hill regions.
The initiative is expected to promote resource-efficient aquaculture, strengthen farmers’ technical capabilities and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in the Himalayan region by offering a practical approach to addressing the water and climate-related challenges of coldwater fish farming.
(Source: ICAR - Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research, Bhimtal)
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