Under the charismatic leadership of Chief Minister Punjab

- The Department of Fisheries Punjab is making significant progress

Pilot Project for Adaptive Research on Shrimp Farming at Muzaffargarh, Aquaculture: Shrimp Farming in Punjab, Establishment of Aquaculture Malls in Punjab, Establishment of Model Fish Market at Lahore (Feasibility Study), Establishmentof Hatchery Facilities for Pangasius and other High Value Fish Species & Long Lease of Saline & Brackish State Lands

The Punjab Government has successfully completed a pilot project in Muzaffargarh to assess the feasibility and productivity of shrimp farming in the local environment. Under this project, 120 tons of shrimp was produced within a limited period on 100 acres of land. The private sector exported this shrimp to various countries, including Jordan, Vietnam, the UAE, and China. A comprehensive four-year development project (2024-2028) has been launched to establish a sustainable shrimp farming industry in Punjab. The key objectives include; establishing a dedicated Shrimp Farming Directorate, setting up a state-of-the-art laboratory in Muzaffargarh for necessary testing and certification of shrimp exports, developing a modern shrimp farm for research and adaptation in Muzaffargarh, advancing the Shrimp Value Chain and acquiring international expertise for technology transfer, establishing Punjab’s first Government shrimp hatchery with an annual production capacity of at least 100 million shrimp seeds, creating a Shrimp Research and Training Center in Muzaffargarh for hands-on training of departmental staff and the farmers, developing 1,000 acres of shrimp farms through private sector investment and training young graduates with a bachelor degree or higher qualification in related fields, offering scholarships for shrimp farming. Aquaculture malls are being developed in Muzaffargarh, Sargodha, and Bahawalpur. A display center will be established for advanced machinery used in shrimp/ fish farming, rental services for major equipment such as reefer containers, shrimp harvesters, graders, aerators, and water pumps. In addition to this, shops for private sector participation, ensuring the availability of essential aquaculture supplies such as nets, tools, seeds, feed, and fertilizers in one place. For the first time in Pakistan, an internationally recognized fish market is being established to enhance economic activity and provide modern, hygienic facilities to fish farmers and consumers. The hiring process for a consultancy firm to oversee the market’s development has already begun. Pangasius fish is globally renowned for its taste and quality but is currently imported into Pakistan. To reduce foreign exchange expenditure and address the challenges faced by fish farmers, the Punjab Government has launched a new development project to enhance the breeding and production of Pangasius fish locally, hatcheries for Pangasius fish are being established in Lahore and Dera Ghazi Khan. Recognizing the potential of shrimp farming, especially in saline land areas, the Punjab government has devised a comprehensive strategy to convert unused lands into shrimp farms. This initiative aims to boost exports, create long-term employment opportunities, and enhance food security. After approval from the Provincial Cabinet, the Board of Revenue Punjab has officially issued a notification outlining the statement of conditions (SOCs) for leasing government land for shrimp and fish farming.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025