HYDERABAD, INDIA, January 5, 2025: Breaking the geographical barriers of traditional fish farming, Hyderabad-based startup SmartGreen Aquaculture (SGA) has officially inaugurated India’s largest integrated inland Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) facility. The $6 million (approx. ₹54 crore) state-of-the-art hub, located in Kandukur Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, marks a historic shift by successfully farming cold-water Rainbow Trout in the warm tropical climate of the Deccan Plateau.
The facility was inaugurated on Monday, January 5, 2026, by Shri. Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, alongside Shri. G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines and The first phase of the aquaculture farm with a research institute was inaugurated today by Shri. Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Govt of India, Shri. G. Kishan Reddy Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Govt of India, Shri. S P Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry, and Dairying & Minister of State in the Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Shri. George Kurian, Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Minority Affairs, Govt of India, Shri. Vakiti Srihari, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries, Sports & Youth Services – Govt of Telangana.
Prominent Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, Govt of Telangana, Dignitaries from the National Fisheries Department, ICAR, IFCI Venture Capital Fund, and well-known aquaculture experts graced this milestone event.
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In his keynote address, Union Minister Shri. Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) hailed the project as a watershed moment for the nation’s blue economy. He emphasized that the successful cultivation of a cold-water species in a tropical zone like Hyderabad is a “huge success milestone” that challenges long-standing agricultural assumptions.
“SmartGreen Aquaculture is a shining example of the innovation driving our nation’s startup ecosystem,” the Minister stated. “I applaud young Aditya Rithvik Narra for his remarkable risk-taking appetite and for turning the vision of RAS-based trout farming into a reality in such a challenging climate. This species holds immense export potential, and my ministry will extend all necessary support to SmartGreen to scale this model across the nation.”
Breaking Climatic Barriers with RAS
Traditionally restricted to the snow-fed streams of the Himalayas, Rainbow Trout requires highly oxygenated water below 18°C. SGA’s facility utilizes advanced RAS technology, which continuously treats and recycles water in a biosecure indoor environment. This system allows for precision control over temperature and oxygen, ensuring year-round production regardless of outside heat.
Integrated Ecosystem: From Hatchery to Biorefinery
The 7-acre campus is designed as a fully integrated “farm-to-consumer” model:
- Production Capacity: At full scale, the facility will produce 1,200 metric tonnes of trout annually.
- Hatchery & Grow-out: Features 44 circular tanks and a hatchery producing 1.2 million fingerlings per year.
- Microalgae Biorefinery: A “flexi-scale” platform set for 2026-27 to produce biomass for nutraceuticals and aquafeed.
- Employment: The project currently supports 200 jobs and includes a skill center to train local youth in automation and biosecurity.
Direct-to-Consumer Strategy
Phased Expansion and Market Focus: The first phase of SGA with an initial production capacity of 360 MT, is nearing ready-to-sales stage, with the second phase scaling up to the full 960 metric tonnes per year. SGA will primarily serve the domestic premium seafood market, targeting retail consumers, hospitality, and institutional buyers through both offline and online channels.
“India’s demand for healthy, high-protein, and responsibly farmed fish is growing rapidly,” said Aditya. “Our online store is designed to make high-quality rainbow trout accessible to consumers who value freshness, nutrition, and transparency and traceability.”
SGA has processing facilities that convert rainbow trout into value-added products such as Fillet, Steak, Skinless, or Degutted, while continuously working to develop new products. Additionally, plans are on the anvil to develop indigenous hatchery capabilities and ensure 100% self-sufficiency in trout egg production by the next phase of development.
Furthermore, the SGA aims to engage local communities in operations, nurture their technical skills, and provide access to a steady income. It has also initiated technology transfer programs to allow small-scale farmers to operate compact aquaculture units under a buy-back arrangement with SGA.
India is the 2nd largest producer of fish globally, supported by a strong policy framework such as the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and Blue Economy initiative. The global aquaculture market is valued to grow from USD 296 billion (2023) to USD 421 billion (2030). While the Microalgae Industry is expanding rapidly. It is valued to grow from USD 1.8 billion (2023) to USD 3.5 billion (2030).
Media Contact for Smart Green Aquaculture
Founder and MD Aditya Rithvik Narra, of SGA, highlighted that the facility includes an on-site processing plant to convert harvests into value-added products like fillets and steaks. “By integrating hatcheries, farming, and e-commerce under one roof, we are reducing dependence on imports and delivering a fresher, premium product directly to Indian kitchens,” Narra said.
With the government’s backing and a focus on high-value exports, SGA is positioned to lead India’s transition from subsistence-led fishing to a technology-driven, market-oriented aquaculture powerhouse.
