Emerging trends of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) aquaculture in Nepal Himalaya

Abstract

Recently, aquaculture technology of cold water Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) has been popular among farmers in hills and mountains of Nepal Himalaya.  Production of rainbow trout started in government and private farms in 1995 and 1998, respectively. At present the rainbow trout farming has expanded in several mountain districts with rapidly growing demand in others adjacent areas.  The total farmers have increased from none to 85 producing more than 180 metric ton from 16 districts by employing about 550 people in year 2012. The trout aquaculture technology could be expanded in areas having pristine, cold and clean water resources having road access for market destinations close to urban areas of all Trans Himalayan countries as a means to food and nutritional security, and employment opportunities in mountainous regions.