The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) will consider a Rs 2 billion project submitted by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock to develop aquaculture and shrimp farming at coastal areas here on Tuesday.
The project already okayed by the pre-CDWP on March 10, envisages 11 aquaculture shrimp model farms at coastal areas with public-private management and training to over 100 trainers to further train the manpower involved in shrimp farming, sources told Business Recorder on Monday.
They said that the coastal area stretching over 1100 kilometre would be exploited for the first time as all focus, in the past, had been on inland fisheries, comprising rivers, lakes, and dams.
The Minfal has prepared the project to exploit aquaculture and shrimp farming, proposing that each model farm be established on 10 hectare land with small ponds and latest skill development technology to be used for quality shrimp production in the country.
The project proposes hiring of experts on aquaculture and shrimp farming from regional countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Iran and Bangladesh for training of the trainers.
Sources said that the implementation of the project in true letter and spirit could double fish export which is merely $200 million at present.
The investors from private sector, federal and provincial governments will manage these clusters and the government would also offer incentives to the private companies or individuals interested in the business on commercial basis. The government is also formulating a policy to improve production of fisheries sector to earn foreign exchange through export.
Fishery has an important role not only in the country's economy but is also a source of livelihood, particularly for inhabitants of the coastal areas.
Sources said that the Planning Commission had directed the Ministry of Agriculture on January 27, to take on board the provinces and define their role before resubmitting the project to CDWP for consideration, they added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2007

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