Trout fish farming: Golden opportunity to earn in cold water
Trout fish farming is an emerging business in India, which is especially done in cold and hilly areas. Its meat is tasty, nutritious and sells expensive, making it a source of profit for farmers.
- What is trout fish?
Trout fish is a premium species that thrives in cold water, which was brought to India mainly from America and Europe. Its rearing in India started in the early 1900s.
- Major species of Trout Fish:
Species Characteristic Color/Weight
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Most commonly reared Silver+Iridescent, 1-3kg
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) Slightly slow growth, but tasty Brown-yellow, 2-5kg
Blue Trout Special breed of Rainbow Blue color, rare
- How to farm Trout Fish (Trout Farming Guide):
Required climate and region:
Temperature: 10°C – 18°C
Location: Hilly area, pure and cold running water required
State: Himachal, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, Arunachal
Step by step process:
(1) Tank or raceway construction
Long, thin cemented raceway or FRP tank
Flowing water arrangement
Oxygen system required (Aerator)
(2) Water Quality:
Oxygen: >6 mg/L
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Clean and flowing water (spring water is best)
(3) Raising seeds (fingerlings):
20–25 fish per 1,000 litres of water
₹8 – ₹12 per fingerling
(4) Feeding:
Special trout pellet feed
Feed with 35-40% protein required
Twice a day
(5) Growth and time:
250g to 1kg in 10–12 months
- Investment & Profit:
Name of expense Estimated amount
Raceway construction ₹1,50,000 (10×2 m)
Fingerlings (5,000) ₹50,000
Feed (1 year) ₹1,20,000
Other expenses (electricity, labour, water) ₹30,000
Total cost ₹3.5 – ₹4 lakh
Production and earnings:
5,000 fishes = ~3,500 kg
Sale per kg = ₹400–₹800
Total earnings = ₹14 – ₹28 lakh/year
Profit = ₹10 – ₹24 lakh/year
- Where and how to do marketing? Hotels, Restaurants, Resorts (Demand high in Hill Stations)
Export Agents (UAE, Singapore, Europe)
Online Seafood Platforms
Fish Mandis and Local Markets
Marketing Tips:
Branding of cool place (e.g. “Himalayan Trout”)
Put photos + health benefits on Instagram, Facebook
Processed packing fetches premium rates
- Health Benefits of Trout Fish:
Nutrient Benefits
Omega-3 fatty acids Good for heart and brain
High protein Muscle growth and energy
Low fat Good for diabetic people
Vitamin D, B12 Beneficial for bone and neuro system
- Subsidy & Support from Government:
40–60% subsidy under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
Technical guidance and fingerling supply from state fisheries department
Bank loans available
Conclusion:
Trout fish farming is a high-profit, low-competition business which is only suitable for areas with natural cold water. If done right, it can become a source of ₹10 lakh+ annual profit for farmers and startups.
There are mainly three types of trout fish species found in India, which are suitable for farming. Each species has its own identity, taste, growth rate, and benefits.
- Rainbow Trout
Scientific name: Oncorhynchus mykiss
Identification:
The body is silver in colour
Light pink/rainbow line on the sides
Attractive in appearance, liked by customers
Advantages:
Fastest growing species – reaches 1 kg in 9-10 months
Survives even in low water quality
Most in demand in hotels and markets
High omega-3 fatty acids and protein in meat
Most used in export
- Brown Trout
Scientific name: Salmo trutta
Identification:
Colour brownish-golden, black and red spots on the body
Grows better in cold and clean water
Slightly long body
Advantages:
Considered better than rainbow trout in taste
Adapts more to the natural environment
Good production in icy areas
Slow growth Due to being of high quality, it is sold in the market
Demand in export and premium markets
- Blue Trout
Scientific name: Oncorhynchus mykiss (Mutation of Rainbow Trout)
Identification:
Bright blue colour
Rare and attractive looking fish
Advantages:
Sold expensively as a decorative fish
High profit even with small scale farming
Special demand in hotels, resorts, and boutique seafood restaurants
Usually found in private farms or laboratories
Comparative table:
Species Growth rate Market demand Taste Price/kg
Rainbow Trout Fast Very good ₹400–₹800
Brown Trout Medium Premium Best ₹600–₹1,000
Blue Trout Medium Exclusive Good ₹800–₹1,200
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