Punjab expands shrimp farming plan across 30,000 acres with new technology

The Punjab government has taken a major step to promote Punjab shrimp farming and expand shrimp farming Pakistan as a new agricultural and business opportunity.

The plan was discussed during a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing aquaculture projects in Muzaffargarh and Sargodha.

Around 1,000 shrimp farms have already been developed on nearly 5,500 acres. Production and shrimp stocking have also started at several sites.

Thousands of acres identified for expansion

Officials said surveys conducted with support from foreign experts have identified around 40,000 potential sites for shrimp farming.

In Muzaffargarh’s Shah Garh and Ali Wala areas, 737 ponds will be developed across 5,300 acres. A hatchery with an annual production capacity of 280 million is also planned.

The project will also establish processing facilities. Two plants are planned at Ali Wala, with capacities of 10 tons and 5 tons per hour.

The development is expected to strengthen Punjab aquaculture and provide farmers with better facilities for production and processing.

First shrimp diagnostic laboratory planned

Pakistan’s first shrimp diagnostic laboratory is also planned under the project. The facility will include chemistry, pathology and microbiology sections.

Officials also plan to establish an aquaculture mall at Shah Garh. Farmers will be able to access shrimp seed, feed and modern machinery on rent.

A training hall will also be built to help farmers learn modern farming methods.

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AI and modern machines being tested

Modern equipment, including harvesters and automatic feeders, has already been tested at the Shah Garh project.

Authorities have also started using AI shrimp farming technology to monitor farm operations. Officials said the technology produced successful results during monitoring trials.

The government believes the wider use of shrimp farming technology can improve production, reduce manual work and help farmers manage their farms more efficiently.

Sargodha is also being included in the expansion plan. A 500-acre site with 167 ponds is planned in village 58-NB.

The site is expected to have an annual production capacity of 10 million PL. A hatchery, aquaculture mall and processing plant are also planned there.

Jobs and exports remain key targets

The government wants the project to create new employment and business opportunities for young people and local farmers.

Officials also hope the expansion will increase shrimp exports Pakistan and help Punjab develop a stronger seafood value chain.

Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to speed up the use of modern technology in Sargodha after the experience gained in Muzaffargarh.

She also called for gradual involvement of the private sector.

The chief minister said Punjab’s barren land could become a major centre for shrimp exports. She added that developing a complete value chain could also reduce the foreign exchange spent on imported shrimp.

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What this means for Punjab

The expansion of Punjab shrimp farming could give farmers another way to use land that is not suitable for traditional crops.

At the same time, better shrimp farming technology and AI shrimp farming could improve production and monitoring.

If properly managed, the project could strengthen Punjab aquaculture, create jobs and support shrimp exports Pakistan.

The success of shrimp farming Pakistan will, however, depend on proper training, water management, disease control and access to local and international markets.