India boasts several different geographic terrains, with the northern region experiencing lower temperatures during winters. Naturally, India has some fish species that live and grow in cold waters. Trout is found in these regions and its farming is becoming popular. Trout is a cold water, hill stream fish that needs high energy and high protein diets to meet its feeding habits and its fast swimming habit.

USSEC - ASC conducted a one-day aquafeed education session for about 75 aqua farmers, government officials and other stakeholders connected with the trout industry. The USSEC team was in India’s Northern Province for an internal meeting and took advantage of the time to work with the University of Palampur and the Department of Fisheries in the region to conduct this session.
The workshop’s objective was to explore new markets to position soy-based aqua feeds and help improve capacity utilization of Indian feedmills. Trout farmers in the region lack an understanding of advanced feed formulations and milling technology, and so this session helped them grasp the intricacies involved in feed manufacture. For some industry professionals, extension workers, environmentalists and scientists, the session helped reflect important aspects connected to feed formulation and best farming practices. It was important that the professionals re-visit talking points on modern feeds and farming methods so they in turn can disseminate USSEC’s recommendations to a wider industry audience. Other discussions covered aspects of fish nutrition and creating trade linkages with modern feed mills, which displayed their feeds and supported the participants with information on supply and logistics.