Prakash Dhakal, Manang:  Seven years ago, the locals saw some fish in the Marsyangdi river at Taal village.  Earlier, there was no record of fish being found in river of Manang district.

Few years ago, the commercial farming of trout fish had started in Khotro village but was not successful. Villagers says that fish from the same trout farm were found in Marsyangdi as the water overflowed from the concrete tank. Since then, no trout has been caught in Taal village.

As the district lies in remote area, its very hard for the owner to bring fish foods and medicines.

According to the fish technician, trout fish can survive in a temperature of zero to 25 degrees centigrade, but for its best growth, a temperature of 10 to 20 degrees centigrade is suitable.

In Manang, the temperature of water varies according to the season. Sometimes the water freezes and goes below zero degree.

Some people have started to breed trout commercially. Yaad Ghale, the ward chairman of Nason-8  has started commercial fish farming. He says that although the growth is not fast due to the cold weather, fish farming has been successful.

A modern and organized cage has been constructed at a cost of 47 lakhs.  Of the total cost, 50% subsidy was provided by government. Now, more than 10 million rupees (1 crore) has been invested in his trout fish farm.

He had kept 15000 baby fish in the pond and now 8000 of them are alive. So far, he have sold 100 kg fish at the price of Rs 1,500 per kg. Now the tourist season has started, the market may increase.

As the district lies in remote area, its very hard for the owner to bring fish foods and medicines. Thus the cost of fish is higher than in other district.