Srinagar, March 16 -- Kashmir's waters have long been its quiet strength, sustaining life and tradition. The announcement of a large-scale aqua project in Anantnag marks a turning point, not just in infrastructure but in redefining the role of fisheries in the Valley's economy. For fisher families, it promises recognition and stability; for the wider community, it offers jobs, entrepreneurship, and a new model of rural prosperity.

For decades, the fisheries department nurtured trout farming through hatcheries and small-scale support. Yet, the absence of integrated facilities kept production modest and markets limited. The new initiative seeks to bridge this gap by creating a comprehensive system where cold-water species can be bred, proc...