Trout farming grows in Jumla as farmers chase local livelihoods

In the remote, cold climate of Jumla, a quiet revolution is taking place as local farmers turn to rainbow trout aquaculture. This shift represents more than just a new agricultural practice; it's a determined pursuit of self-reliance and economic independence in a region where opportunities have historically been scarce. The journey hasn't been easy, with early setbacks due to a lack of technical expertise and the high cost of transporting fingerlings. Yet, the resilience and determination of farmers like Devendra Raj Giri and Delhi Bahadur Rawal are truly inspiring.

These pioneers are not only overcoming initial hurdles but are actively learning, adapting, and innovating. Their efforts to stock ponds annually, begin selling fish, and even aim to produce their own fingerlings demonstrate a commitment to building a sustainable livelihood. The investment in infrastructure, feed, and stock, coupled with plans for related businesses like a hotel, signals a long-term vision for the region's development.

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This can generate income. People used to mock me when I built ponds. Now they are encouraged after seeing the results.

While the lack of dedicated fisheries experts in Jumla presents a significant challenge, the success stories emerging from farmers like Rajendra Budha, who has seen substantial earnings and is now helping others start their own farms, offer a beacon of hope. His experience highlights the ripple effect of such initiatives, fostering local employment and encouraging a community-wide embrace of this promising venture. The potential for expansion into wider markets suggests that Jumla's cold climate, once a limitation, is now becoming its greatest asset for this burgeoning industry.

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Our mission is not yet complete. We do not think that our mission will be completed soon after the fighting subsides, but we plan, and indeed we plan to continue, and this will materialize even after the attack on Tehran.