The trout farm continues to face challenges, including limited equipment and the absence of post-harvest processing facilities

Remote Bhutan Trout Farm Boosts Local Supply and Aims for Exports

BHUTAN
Wednesday, August 06, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

A young entrepreneur's rainbow trout farm in Chhukha's Bongo Gewog is expanding domestic fish production, with plans for flavored smoked trout exports and eco-tourism.

Photo: courtesy Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS).

A new aquaculture venture is making waves in Bhutan. Geduchhu Trout Farming, also known as Yuenya Trout Farm, is a rainbow trout farm located in the remote Bongo Gewog area of Chhukha. Founded by a young entrepreneur, the farm is boosting domestic fish production and helping to meet the country's growing demand for high-value fish.

The farm, which spans over three and a half acres, has an annual production capacity of up to eight metric tonnes. It currently supplies trout to local residents and hotels in Paro and Thimphu. Geeta Prasad Pradhan, a farm attendant, noted that the farm is home to over 6,000 fingerlings and more than 1,000 fish ready for harvest.

Geduchhu Trout Farm also known as Yuenya Trout Farm specialises in cultivating rainbow trout. Photo: courtesy Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS).

Despite its success, the farm faces challenges, including limited equipment and the lack of post-harvest processing facilities. To address some of these issues, Bongo Gup Tshering Penjor said the local government plans to assist with fencing on a cost-sharing basis to protect against wild animals. He also noted that trout farming is rare in the southern region and that the farm will be used as a source to establish other fishery farms in the area.

Looking ahead, the farm has ambitious plans. The owner is aiming to introduce flavored smoked trout for export and eventually convert the site into an eco-tourism destination. The project, which began before the pandemic but only became operational last year, received initial support from the district administration and a later grant of over Nu 6 million from the National Research Centre for Riverine and Lake Fisheries.

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