Punjab approves 30,000-acre shrimp farming project

The Punjab government has approved a large-scale shrimp farming project covering 30,000 acres across the province to bolster the blue economy and increase exports. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has authorized the expansion of the initiative, which aims to transform unused land into productive aquaculture sites.

Currently, 5,500 acres have been developed into 1,000 farms where production has already commenced. In the Muzaffargarh region, specifically in the Shah Garh and Ali Wala areas, 737 ponds will be established over 5,300 acres. This site will feature a hatchery capable of producing 280 million shrimp annually, two processing plants, and a diagnostic laboratory specializing in chemistry, pathology, and microbiology. A dedicated aquaculture mall will also be established in Shah Garh to provide farmers with seed, feed, and access to modern machinery.

In Sargodha, the project includes 500 acres with 167 ponds, supported by hybrid solar energy systems and modern tools. The initiative incorporates advanced technology, including artificial intelligence-based monitoring and automated machinery such as harvesters and auto-feeders. The project seeks to create employment opportunities for local farmers and university graduates while reducing the need for shrimp imports.