The Himachal Pradesh government has taken a decisive step toward strengthening the rural economy and promoting sustainable livelihoods through the establishment of a modern Aqua Park in Nadaun, Hamirpur district. The project, estimated at Rs 25 crore, is a significant move under the state’s broader agenda to diversify rural income sources and modernize the fisheries sector.
- Background and Objective
Himachal Pradesh, with its abundant water resources and favorable climate, has long been considered suitable for inland fish farming. However, traditional methods and limited technology adoption have restricted large-scale production. Recognizing this gap, the government aims to transform the sector by creating a technologically advanced aquaculture hub that will serve as a model for other regions.
The Nadaun Aqua Park seeks to act as a centre of excellence for fish breeding, training, and entrepreneurship in aquaculture. It will also support the government’s goal of strengthening the rural economy, generating employment, and enhancing nutritional security.
- Institutional Support and Planning
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared by the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, a national-level institute specializing in freshwater aquaculture research and development.The project will be established on land already identified as suitable for aquaculture. It will incorporate modern freshwater fish farming technologies, focusing on sustainability, resource efficiency, and climate resilience.
- Features of the Project
The proposed Aqua Park will combine research, production, and demonstration under one umbrella. It will include:Advanced hatchery facilities for seed production of Indian Major Carps such as Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal.Exotic and ornamental fish culture units, including species like Goldfish, Koi, Guppy, and Molly, promoting aquarium trade.Biofloc and Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to enable high-density fish culture with minimum water use.Fish feed manufacturing unit, ensuring local availability of high-quality and cost-effective feed.Training and extension centres to equip local youth and farmers with modern aquaculture skills.The project will also emphasize value addition, fish processing, cold chain development, and marketing support to ensure complete integration from production to consumer delivery.
- Economic and Social Impact
The Aqua Park will play a crucial role in employment generation, particularly for rural youth and women. By linking aquaculture with entrepreneurship, it will open new opportunities in seed production, feed manufacturing, packaging, and retail marketing.This initiative will also promote rural industrialization by encouraging micro-enterprises around fisheries, cold storage, and allied services. Indirect benefits include an increase in inland fish production, reduction in migration from rural areas, and improvement in income diversification among farming families.
- Environmental and Technological Aspects
The project is aligned with the state’s vision of eco-friendly economic development. The adoption of Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc Technology will reduce dependence on open water bodies, minimize waste generation, and conserve water resources.Such low-carbon, high-efficiency systems also support the national Blue Economy framework, which integrates aquatic resources into sustainable development goals.
- Chief Minister’s Statement and Policy Vision
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized that the government’s top priority is to strengthen the rural economy and create long-term income opportunities. He noted that modern aquaculture can become a key driver of rural prosperity and has instructed officials to promote scientific fish farming practices and ensure fair market prices for farmers.The CM’s vision aligns with the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a national flagship program that aims to enhance fish production, double farmers’ income, and boost exports through sustainable aquaculture.
