Srinagar, June 30 (KNS) : Jammu & Kashmir's leading business conglomerate, the Khyber Group, has announced a major diversification into the Union Territory's fisheries sector with the launch of its state-of-the-art trout processing facility in the Kashmir Valley, marking a significant milestone in the region's blue economy.
The facility, operating under the group's aquaculture arm Khyber Aquaculture, uniquely blends the region's pristine Himalayan glacial waters with advanced technologies sourced from Denmark, France, and Sweden. Officials said the unit features an IoT-enabled, zero-waste farming ecosystem complemented by sophisticated cold-chain infrastructure, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximising production efficiency.
"The integration of Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology is a game-changer," a senior official associated with the project told PTI. "It drastically reduces freshwater requirements while ensuring optimal fish health and production efficiency, making the facility a model for sustainable aquaculture practices in the region."
The strategic move comes at a time when India's trout market is witnessing unprecedented growth. According to data from IMARC Group, the domestic trout market, which stood at 4,698.7 Tons in 2025, is projected to expand to 7,964.7 Tons by 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.86 per cent during 2026-2034.
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Industry experts attribute this surge to increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits of trout, particularly its high protein content and rich omega-3 fatty acid profile, coupled with rising disposable incomes and government initiatives promoting aquaculture to boost local economies.
With an eye on this growing demand, Khyber Aquaculture is now focused on developing robust domestic and export market linkages. "We are strategically positioned to leverage the unique geographical and environmental advantages of the Kashmir Valley to deliver premium, traceable, and sustainably farmed seafood to both domestic and international markets," a company spokesperson said.
The Khyber Group, established over five decades ago, has been a cornerstone of Jammu & Kashmir's economic landscape with diverse interests spanning luxury hospitality, cement, real estate, and healthcare. The group's foray into sustainable aquaculture underscores its long-standing commitment to regional economic development, employment generation, and socio-economic advancement of the Union Territory.
"We are not just building a business; we are creating a sustainable ecosystem that generates value for the region and its people," the spokesperson added.
For more details, visit www.khyberaquaculture.com.