Swat Trout Farms : Struggling to stay afloat

[NiceFarmer]

Mohammad Saeed was a prominent antiques dealer before he turned his hand at trout farming in 1988. He seemed to have the Midas’ touch because before he knew it, his New Spring Trout Fish farm, in Madyan, became one of the largest outlets in Swat valley.

“I got into the business of trout farming after I realised all my clients, a majority of whom were foreigners, were very keen on eating trout.” By the time business warmed up his farm was producing 3,000 kg every year.

Swat valley, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, with its lush green forests, pristine waters, archaeological sites, fruit orchards and off the beaten tracks lured many an enthusiastic traveler. But many were also drawn to the trout the valley provided in abundance. In fact, tourism served to anchor a variety of supporting sectors, including the small scale trout aquaculture.

According to a recent report by the Malakand Aquaculture Advisory Group (MAAG), set up by the KP government, trout production had reached 109 tonnes in 2006-07, but by 2008-09 it had dropped to 85 tonnes. Almost 37 per cent of this fish came from Swat, generating revenue of a whopping Rs 20 million.

Complete Article​

 

[Pioneerfirst]

Once tourists return to the Valley,I hope the business will start.Govt should support them or they should search for new markets to export their trouts to other cities of Pakistan and even to other countries.I hope they can make it as fish fetch a good price in local market in winter.

 

[NiceFarmer]

we hope so