Khyber Group has launched Khyber Aquaculture, India's largest fully integrated Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)-based Himalayan trout farming facility in Kashmir. The project is aimed at strengthening the region's trout industry by combining advanced aquaculture technology with local farming communities to create a sustainable and export-focused ecosystem.

Located on the banks of the River Sindh in Akhal, Kangan, Ganderbal district, the facility spans eight acres and has been developed with an investment of over ₹100 crore. Built on a technology-driven model, the farm reuses and recycles water through RAS technology, enabling year-round trout production in a climate-controlled environment.

The facility currently has an annual production capacity of 1,500 metric tonnes, which is expected to increase to 7,000 metric tonnes over the next three to five years. Its hatchery can produce up to 20 million fingerlings every year, supporting the long-term growth of trout farming in the region.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Umar Tramboo, CMD, Khyber Aquaculture, said, "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 while supporting more than 300 local farmers under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), through modern aquaculture systems and market access."

The integrated project includes in-house production, processing, and packaging facilities and is expected to create more than 3,000 indirect livelihood opportunities across the region. It has been designed to combine modern aquaculture practices with Kashmir's natural environment, promoting climate-resilient and sustainable fish farming.

Sharing the broader vision for the project, Mr Tramboo added, "It has taken us over 5 years to be completely ready. But the wait was worth it. With this launch, we plan to revolutionise India's aquaculture sector, introducing new standards for fish health and operational control. We want to be known as a platform for scaling trout farming with data-driven systems and localised adaptation."

Khyber Aquaculture uses American and Danish-bred eyed ova (eggs) along with precision-controlled systems from Denmark, France, and Germany. These technologies are designed to improve fish survival rates by 25–30%, lower feed conversion ratios (FCR), and reduce pathogen exposure while meeting international quality and export standards.

The fully integrated processing unit uses hyper-hygienic cleaning systems and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology to extend the shelf life of trout to 10 days when chilled and six months when frozen. Fresh, chilled, and frozen products are expected to be available from FY Q3 2025.

The facility also maintains water temperatures between 10°C and 14°C, while continuous oxygen injection keeps dissolved oxygen levels at 8–12 mg/L, creating ideal conditions for healthy trout production.

As part of its sustainability strategy, the company has implemented water recirculation, biosecurity measures, responsible feed management, waste management, and environmental monitoring systems. The use of RAS technology significantly reduces freshwater consumption while improving fish health and production efficiency.

Looking ahead, Khyber Aquaculture plans to strengthen both domestic and international market linkages by leveraging Kashmir's natural advantages and the growing demand for premium, traceable, and sustainably farmed seafood.

The processing facility combines Himalayan glacial water with Danish, French, and Swedish technology, supported by IoT-enabled, zero-waste farming systems and advanced cold-chain infrastructure.

According to IMARC Group, India's trout market reached 4,698.7 tonnes in 2025 and is projected to grow to 7,964.7 tonnes by 2034, registering a CAGR of 5.86% during 2026–2034. Rising consumer awareness of trout's nutritional benefits, increasing demand for high-protein and omega-3-rich foods, and government support for aquaculture are expected to drive this growth.