History of the Department           The State of Jammu and Kashmir has a unique topography and diverse agro-climatic conditions which divide the State into three agro-climatic zones like tropical Jammu division, temperate Kashmir valley and cold arid zone of Ladakh. The State is bestowed with natural water resources covering a total water spread area of about 0.40 lacs ha. existing in the shape of torrential cold water streams, lakes, rivers, sars, springs and high altitude lakes. These waters possess great potential for development of varied types of fisheries like cold water fisheries, warm water fisheries, sport fisheries, reservoir fisheries etc. Owing to successful, introduction and subsequent establishment of trout in the valley of Kashmir in 1900 AD, the Department of Fisheries was created in 1903 AD and was known as Department of “Game Preservation”. Till 1978 the activities of the department remained confined to sport fisheries and conservation of natural water resources as no headway could be made in culture aspect due to non-availability of requisite infrastructure, trained manpower and lack of modern fish farming technology. In 1978 the department was re-organized and for the first time district level offices were established. The detailed survey of potential areas was taken and on the basis of this necessary infrastructure was created. The Department developed many Carps and Trout Farms, Hatcheries, Rearing Units, Sale Centres, Laboratories, Anglers Lodges and Aquarium cum Awareness Centres in all the three regions of the State.To provide empoyment opportunities to the educated unemployed youth of the State the Department intoduced the Fish Culture in the Private Sector by various Schemes sponsored by State and Centre Government.