Punjab Launches Largest-Ever Shrimp Farming Project

The Punjab government has initiated its most extensive shrimp farming project to date, aiming to convert underutilized land into a lucrative export industry and bolster the province's blue economy. Utilizing the expertise of foreign consultants, authorities identified approximately 40,000 sites for potential shrimp farming in Punjab. In principle, plans are underway to establish shrimp farms on 30,000 acres within the province.

The inaugural significant infrastructure project is set to be launched in Ali Wala, where a hatchery with a yearly capacity of 280 million shrimp will be constructed over 5,300 acres, comprising 737 ponds. Additionally, two processing plants with capacities of 10 tonnes and five tonnes per hour will also be built at the same location.

The provincial administration is also constructing Pakistan's first aquaculture mall in Shah Garh, which will supply farmers with shrimp seed, feed, and rental machinery. A diagnostic laboratory equipped with chemistry, pathology, and microbiology facilities, along with a training center, will also be set up in Ali Wala.

Shrimp farming operations have already commenced on around 5,500 acres across 1,000 farms in Punjab, with trial productions underway in Muzaffargarh and Sargodha. The government envisions expanding the project to Sargodha, including a 500-acre farm with 167 ponds. The introduction of automated machinery, such as harvesters and auto feeders, along with advanced monitoring systems, will enhance productivity and efficiency.

Punjab officials reported successful results from trials at Shah Garh, and 100 individuals have already been trained in modern shrimp farming techniques.

The government plans to gradually incorporate the private sector into the project, engaging university graduates and local farmers. Furthermore, hybrid solar energy systems will be installed to cater to the power needs of shrimp farms.