Jammu & Kashmir's Khyber Group has unveiled Khyber Aquaculture, India's largest Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)-based Himalayan trout farming facility. Situated on the River Sindh's banks in Akhal, Kangan, the facility spans eight acres and represents an investment of over $12 million (₹100 crore). It is designed to transform the region's trout industry into an export-oriented ecosystem by integrating advanced aquaculture technology with local farming communities.

Currently, the facility has a capacity of 1,500 metric tonnes, with plans to reach 7,000 metric tonnes annually within three to five years. The hatchery can produce up to 20 million fingerlings each year. The initiative is expected to support more than 3,000 indirect livelihood opportunities across the region.

Umar Tramboo, Chairman and Managing Director of Khyber Aquaculture, stated, "Our technologically superior facility is an expansion of cold-water aquaculture in Jammu and Kashmir. Our cluster model is designed to integrate production, hatcheries, processing, and supply chains whilst supporting more than 300 local farmers under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme."

The facility utilises American and Danish-bred eyed ova and precision-controlled systems from Denmark, France, and Germany, aiming to increase survival rates by 25–30% and reduce pathogen exposure. It meets international quality and export standards, offering both fresh and frozen stocks from Q3 2025.

As global demand for premium, traceable, and sustainably farmed seafood rises, Khyber Aquaculture plans to develop strong domestic and export market linkages, leveraging the unique geographical advantages of the Kashmir Valley

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