Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a major initiative to promote aquaculture in the province. A 5,600-acre shrimp estate will be developed across Sargodha and Alipur, marking the largest Blue Economy project in Punjab to date.
Maryam Nawaz said the project aims to increase provincial exports through shrimp farming while creating employment opportunities for thousands of young people. She described it as a landmark initiative that will turn barren and saline land into productive aquaculture farms.
In Sargodha, nine ponds covering 20 acres have already been prepared for shrimp farming. Surveys for an additional 10 acres have also been completed, paving the way for the next phase of the project. Meanwhile, a shrimp estate and value chain are being developed over 124 acres in Chak No 58, Sargodha, with 57 ponds excavated.
In Rakh Ali Wali, Muzaffargarh, 2,507 acres of land have been leveled and cleared for shrimp farming. Excavation work for 57 ponds and installation of 50 tube wells has been completed. 32 tube wells and 8 transformers have been installed to support the shrimp farming operations efficiently.
Two laboratories are nearing completion to support research and quality control. A Lahore-based lab, costing Rs4.5 billion, is 99% complete, while a lab in Muzaffargarh is 98% finished. These labs will provide research support and ensure optimal conditions for shrimp farming.
For research purposes, shrimp seed has been released into 64 ponds, laying the foundation for sustainable aquaculture. Officials said the project will strengthen the shrimp value chain, from farming to processing and export.
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Maryam Nawaz emphasized that this initiative demonstrates Punjab’s commitment to the Blue Economy, increasing exports, generating employment, and transforming unproductive land into thriving aquaculture hubs. The project is expected to position Punjab as a leader in Pakistan’s shrimp farming industry.
