The National Research and Development Centre for Riverine and Lake Fisheries (NRDCRLF), Haa, under the Department of Livestock, is pleased to announce the publication of the “Rainbow Trout Production and Extension Manual”; the first comprehensive technical manual of its kind for Bhutan’s aquaculture sector.
Why This Manual Matters

Rainbow trout farming holds significant promise for Bhutan’s high-altitude communities, offering a viable livelihood option that makes use of the country’s abundant cold-water resources. Until now, farmers and extension personnel working in this space have had to rely on scattered information, informal guidance, and trial and error.

Developed by the NRDCRLF, the manual brings together, for the first time, a single, reliable reference covering every stage of rainbow trout farming. It includes guidance on:
• Establishing and designing rainbow trout farms suited to local
conditions
• Managing water quality for optimal fish health and growth
• Feeding practices and nutrition management
• Disease prevention, fish health monitoring, and biosecurity
• Harvesting techniques and post-harvest handling
• Extension approaches for supporting farmers on the ground

Benefits to Farmers, Extension Workers, and the Sector
For farmers, the manual offers practical, easy-to-follow guidance to improve productivity, reduce losses from poor management or disease, and build greater confidence in adopting trout farming as a sustainable enterprise.

For extension personnel, it provides a standardized technical reference to ensure consistent, science-based advice is delivered across the country, strengthening the quality and reach of extension services.

For the aquaculture sector as a whole, the manual represents an important step toward formalizing technical knowledge, supporting the Department of Livestock’s broader goals for cold-water fisheries development, and laying the groundwork for more structured growth in the years ahead.

𝘈 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘋𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵
This manual is not a one-time effort. As research advances and institutional and technical capacity within the Centre continues to grow, the manual will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect new findings, improved practices, and lessons learned from the field. Farmers, extension agents, and stakeholders are encouraged to make use of this resource and share their feedback to help shape future editions.
Being the first manual of its kind in Bhutan’s aquaculture sector, this publication marks an important step forward, one that NRDCRLF hopes will meaningfully strengthen field capacity and support the sustainable growth of rainbow trout farming across the country.
The Rainbow Trout Production and Extension Manual is available for download.