New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- The Centre has urged Himalayan states to explore trout supply agreements with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and other armed forces to expand markets for fish farmers struggling with low procurement prices and rising feed and transportation costs.

Union Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi proposed the initiative on Monday while reviewing the Pithoragarh Coldwater Fisheries Cluster in Uttarakhand. He also called for cold storage facilities near airports and railway stations to strengthen supply chains and support exports.

Uttarakhand has become the first Himalayan state to export trout to Nepal and the first to supply the fish to the ITBP, according to information shared at the meeting.

ITBP Additional Directo...