Business of fish farming is in crisis now a day in southern Punjab. Government is not supporting this industry that's why farmers are now cultivating crops by closing their fish farms. The research work on fish diseases and the preparation of seed has also come under red tape.
Fish farmer Muhammad Siddiq told Business Recorder that during the last few years, dozens of fish farms were made in southern Punjab and former government was also serious in this industry but the current government is not supporting this industry that's why this business is continuously declining.
Haider Raza said that price of fish from the last 6 to 8 years couldn't exceed from Rs 60 to 80 per kg however the same fish is selling at Rs 350 to 400 in hotels and restaurants. He said that fish is a 'white meat' and its demand is continuously rising because the proteins present in it are necessary for good health. But government has left public and private sector alone, he added.
Another fish farmer, Abdul Hamid said that the rise in electricity tariff by the government is also putting negative impacts on this industry. Fisheries Diagnostic Laboratory and latest hatchery to form fish farms couldn't be established in Multan that's why fish farmers have to suffer financial loss. Fish farmers have demanded of Punjab government that they should be provided loans on 2 percent mark up rate.