In Chhukha’s Bongo Gewog, a quiet revolution is unfolding beneath the surface of the mountain waters. Geduchhu Trout Farming, founded by a young entrepreneur, is not only boosting domestic fish production but also helping meet the nation’s rising demand for high-value fish.
Geduchhu Trout Farm also known as Yuenya Trout Farm specialises in cultivating rainbow trout.
Nestled within the forest, it spans over three and a half acres, roughly the size of two football fields.
With a production capacity of up to eight metric tonnes annually, the farm currently supplies trout to local residents and hotels in Paro and Thimphu.
However, the farm continues to face challenges, including limited equipment and the absence of post-harvest processing facilities.
“Everything went well until now, and we hope it will fare even better. We have rainbow trout here. Currently, there are over 6000 fingerlings. We feed them and raise them well. There are also over a thousand that are ready for harvest,” said Geeta Prasad Pradhan, the farm attendant at the trout farm.
The farm plans to introduce flavoured smoked trout for export and eventually convert the site into an eco-tourism destination
Bongo Gup Tshering Penjor said, “I think they are facing the issue of farm threats from wild animals as the fishery is located away from settlements. Therefore, we plan to assist them with fencing on a cost-sharing basis. Also, trout farming in the south is rare, so we will later expand and use this as a source to distribute and establish other fishery farms here.”
The owner assessed the stream’s water temperature and flow, which are crucial for trout cultivation and identified the site as ideal for fish farming.
Although construction of the farm began before the pandemic, operations could not commence until last year.
The district administration and relevant agencies provided initial support. Later, the project secured over Nu 6 M in funding from the National Research Centre for Riverine and Lake Fisheries.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Sangay Chezom
