India’s Largest Inland Rainbow Trout Farm Inaugurated in Telangana

India has taken a major step in diversifying inland aquaculture with the inauguration of the country’s largest integrated inland Rainbow Trout farm in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district. The facility was inaugurated by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, marking a significant breakthrough in cold-water fisheries outside traditional Himalayan regions.

First-of-Its-Kind Trout Farm on the Deccan Plateau

The project has been established by startup SmartGreen Aquaculture with an estimated investment of ₹50 crore. It is designed to culture Rainbow Trout, a cold-water species, under controlled inland conditions despite the warm climate of the Deccan Plateau. This has been made possible through advanced engineering solutions that regulate water temperature, oxygen levels, and circulation.

Breaking Geographic Barriers in Trout Farming

Traditionally, trout farming in India has been limited to high-altitude, cold-water Himalayan states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. The Telangana facility represents a technological shift, demonstrating that climate constraints can be overcome through innovation. Officials said this model could open new avenues for inland fisheries in non-traditional regions across the country.

Boost to Fisheries, Startups and Exports

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Rajiv Ranjan Singh said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader push to modernise fisheries and promote private sector participation. He assured full support for the export of trout fish through the National Fisheries Development Board, noting the growing international demand for high-value cold-water species.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Rainbow Trout is a cold-water fish species.
• Trout farming in India has traditionally been limited to Himalayan regions.
• The National Fisheries Development Board supports fisheries development and exports.
• Telangana lies on the Deccan Plateau.

Significance for Inland Aquaculture Growth

Officials highlighted that the integrated farm model combines breeding, rearing, and processing at a single site, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The project is expected to contribute to employment generation, technology-driven aquaculture, and diversification of India’s fish production basket. If replicated, such farms could strengthen food security, enhance farmer incomes, and position India as an exporter of premium inland fish varieties.