Tauseef Ahmad
Bandipora, Aug 07: At a time when the number of unemployed people are rising every day, dozens of unemployed youths in Sumlar village of Bandipora district are not only earning their livelihood but also creating employment opportunities for other youths, with the help of a centrally sponsored scheme and by harnessing the abundant natural water resources of their area.
Around 40 unemployed youths in the area are associated with trout fish farming and are exporting tons of trout fish to local markets monthly.
“Almighty has blessed our area with fresh water resources, and with the help from the fisheries department under the centrally sponsored scheme, I am not only earning my livelihood easily but also providing it to other youths,” Abdul Basit, a young farmer and a trainee journalist, told Kashmir Despatch.
Basit was recently awarded the title of best progressive farmer from the area by the fisheries department.
He also said that they annually sell around 200 kilograms of trout fish, which helps them to earn around Rs. 15-20 lakhs annually.
“It was all possible because of the centrally sponsored scheme that we have been given. We are thankful to the fisheries department and the LG administration for making these schemes, which can help unemployed youths to earn their livelihood,” he added.
During the summer season, around 10 fish farmers are currently operating, in which around 30 youths are earning their livelihood.
Another young farmer, Mohd Hussain Bhat, highlighted the rich freshwater resources in their area and said that the fisheries department assisted them in establishing their unit around eight years ago, which has now become a significant source of income for their family.
Meanwhile, Inam-ul-Haq, a resource person from the fisheries department in Bandipora, while sharing the details with Kashmir Despatch, said that the annual production of trout fish farming in the district has increased to 200 tons annually.
He added that the district has 40 trout fish farmers, and 20 more are under construction. “We are committed to helping and guiding unemployed youths in the district. The youths are showing interest in trout fish farming and are earning their livelihood in trout fish farming with pride,” he said.
