India has marked a milestone in aquaculture with the inauguration of its largest integrated inland Rainbow Trout farm in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana. Opened by Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh along with Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, the project represents a major breakthrough in cold-water fisheries beyond the Himalayan region.
Established by startup SmartGreen Aquaculture with an investment of about ₹50 crore, the facility uses advanced technology to regulate water temperature, oxygen and circulation, enabling the farming of Rainbow Trout on the Deccan Plateau despite its warm climate. Traditionally, trout cultivation in India has been confined to high-altitude Himalayan states.
The project demonstrates how innovation can overcome geographic and climatic barriers, potentially expanding inland fisheries to non-traditional regions. The Centre has assured support for exports through the National Fisheries Development Board, citing rising global demand for high-value trout. The initiative is expected to boost fisheries, encourage startups and strengthen India’s aquaculture diversification efforts.
