The Punjab Fisheries Department, on a special directive of Chief Minister Punjab, is supplying a record number of best quality fish seeds of culture-able species to Sindh, Balochistan, North West Frontier Province and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Fisheries Punjab Dr Mohammad Ayub told APP here on Friday.
He explained that fish seed of major cultur-able fish species-Rahu, Mori, Thaila, Grass Carp, Silver Carp, Big Head Carp and Gulfam is being obtained in millions through artificial breeding. After rearing the fish seeds are further supplied to the private sector across the country to meet the ever increasing demand of fish farmers.
He said fish seeds of these varieties are being released in natural water bodies to replenish the fish stock.
The official said that Minister for Fisheries Jam Mohammad Hashim has stressed the need to enhance artificial breeding of popular fish species which have economic importance.
He said the minister has further directed that facilities for free soil and water analysis be provided to the fish farmers across the province.
This would to boost fish production and help meet the protein needs of the people, he added.
Dr Ayub said all fish hatcheries established in different parts of the province are being modernised to produce best quality fish seed." High quality disease resistant culture-able fish seeds will be made available to people at their doorstep at subsidised rate for the promotion of fish farming in private sector."
He said a new fish hatchery over a 30 acres of land is being developed at Rahim Yar Khan to meet the seed needs of adjoining districts, especially in Rajanpur district.
Dr Ayub explained that the Fisheries Department, despite unfavourable climatic conditions and increasing aquatic pollution, earned 40 percent more revenue than last year.