15% rise in trout production: CM

Shimla: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday said there had been a 15.7% hike in trout production in the state in FY 2023-24 as compared to the previous year.Total production in 2022-23 was 1,170 metric tonne. In 2023-24, it rose to 1,388 MT, whereas the figure was 913 MT in 2021-22.The state govt is making earnest efforts to strengthen rural economy, said Sukhu, adding that thousands of families in the state relied on fisheries for livelihood. The CM said 742 families were engaged in trout production at present and the state had nine trout hatcheries in govt sector and six in private, which supply trout seeds to farmers.The CM said for the first time, a special training camp was organised for people residing in far-flung areas of Dodra Kwar in Shimla district. Similar camps were held in Sirmaur, Shimla, Chamba, Kinnaur and Kullu districts regarding trout farming.Trout farming in Kullu and Mandi districts has reached commercial levels with Himachali trout being in high demand in five-star hotels of Chandigarh and Delhi, he added. State govt is also contemplating to establish a ‘Trout Brood Bank’ at Patlikuhl in Kullu. TNN

State witnesses 24% jump in tourists in 2023-24

Gujarat saw a 24% surge in tourism with 18.59 crore visitors in 2023-24. Domestic tourists numbered 17.50 crore, while 23.43 lakh were foreign. Spiritual sites like Ambaji and Somnath were top attractions. Ahmedabad led in business tourism, and leisure spots included Kankaria Lake and the Statue of Unity.

India's food grain production hits record 332.22 million tonne in 2023-24: Government

India's foodgrain production set a new record of 332.22 million tonnes for the 2023-24 crop year, driven by increased wheat and rice outputs. Rice production hit 137.82 million tonnes, and wheat reached 113.29 million tonnes. However, pulses and oilseeds saw declines due to adverse weather conditions in southern states, resulting in lower overall outputs.

Kullu mosque not illegal, says Himachal Pradesh govt 2 weeks

Over two weeks after protests by right-wing Hindu groups against a mosque in Kullu, local authorities clarified it is not illegal. SDM Vikas Shukla confirmed Jama Masjid is owned by Punjab waqf board and is a permitted structure. Although there's a minor deviation in construction, it has been requested for regularization and deemed safe.

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