POKHARA, June 16: Gandaki Rainbow Trout Farm of Kaski has started exporting dry trout fish to Hong Kong. The farm which started its operation a year ago in Sardhikhola, a village 17 km away from Pokhara, is a favorite destination for trout lovers.
Lakshin Gurung, one of the proprietors of the farm said they started exporting fish a few weeks ago. According to Gurung, the demand for trout is high among Nepalis residing in Hong Kong and restaurateurs. He said they have already exported 100 kg of dry fish. “We are already overwhelmed with the local demand and the orders from abroad. This has encouraged us to further expand our business.”[break]
The farm has set an example at a time when Pokhara is importing fish worth hundreds of thousands of rupees on a daily basis.
Gurung started the farming with 90,000 fingerlings in October with investment of Rs 8 million. The farm has already sold over 10,000 kg of fish and earned over Rs 10 million in profits. The farm is exporting dry fish at the rate of Rs 4,000 per kg. The price of live fish in the local market is Rs 750. Hong Kong based "We have exported dry fish worth Rs 400,000 in a month," he said.
In the initial months, fish business was limited to selling fish to wholesalers in Pokhara. However, with restaurants selling trout delicacies the trout business has now expanded beyond.