Sikkim is a small Himalayan state of India with three climatic zones ranging from tropical to temperate to alpine. The moderate-cool and warm agro-climatic zones are suitable for farming rainbow trout and exotic carp species, while brown trout hatchery and ranching can be conducted in the alpine areas.

Sikkim is reliant to a large extent on imports to meet its demand for fisheries products. The Sikkim Department of Fisheries is therefore promoting the development of fish farming to serve both local food requirements and to create additional livelihood options for farmers. However the industry is at a very early stage of development.

We report on the status of exotic carp and trout farming in Sikkim including farming practices, constraints faced by local farmers and possible solutions.