Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, has unveiled a targeted internship initiative for shrimp farming in Pakistan. Aimed squarely at young graduates with backgrounds in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Zoology, the program offers a hands-on approach to shrimp farming, introducing Pakistan’s youth to the promising world of aquaculture. Set against the backdrop of a burgeoning global demand for shrimp, the program underscores a forward-thinking strategy to equip Pakistan’s next generation with practical expertise in a high-growth sector.

Training for Tomorrow

The government’s initiative places emphasis on practical training. Interns selected for the program will receive a monthly stipend of INR 50,000 (USD 592), a financial commitment that signals the importance placed on skill acquisition. The training, which will take place at a specialized shrimp farm in Muzaffargarh managed by Punjab’s Fisheries Department, is designed to cover a broad range of shrimp farming techniques. The effort aims to provide graduates with a comprehensive introduction to the challenges and intricacies of shrimp farming, a sector that promises steady demand and lucrative returns.

This commitment to hands-on training is more than a response to local job needs; it aligns with the broader objective of building sustainable aquaculture systems. As Maryam Nawaz explained, the initiative seeks to give Pakistan a competitive edge in the global shrimp market, transforming a historically arid region into a viable production zone.

A Shrimping Giant in the Making?

Maryam Nawaz underscored shrimp farming’s economic potential, noting that just 100,000 acres dedicated to this endeavor could yield over USD 1 billion in foreign exchange. She argued that Pakistan’s large, underutilized tracts of land, particularly in South Punjab, offer ideal conditions for shrimp cultivation. This region, historically classified as underdeveloped, could emerge as a booming economic zone with shrimp farming at its core. By converting barren land into productive farms, the government aims to transform South Punjab’s agricultural economy, redefining it as a center for shrimp exports.

Such ambition reflects Pakistan’s goal of rebranding itself in the global shrimp market, a sector where production is largely concentrated in Asia. With suitable infrastructure and governmental support, Punjab’s shrimp industry could soon gain a solid foothold, generating both foreign income and domestic prosperity.

Support and Incentives: Fueling a New Economy

To ensure that this shift toward aquaculture takes root, the government has pledged substantial support for new shrimp farmers. Besides access to leased land and essential equipment, the state will provide incentives designed to lower entry barriers. These measures will make it easier for young entrepreneurs to establish shrimp farms and participate in a rapidly growing industry. With these support mechanisms, Maryam Nawaz envisions a comprehensive aquaculture framework that is not only profitable but also sustainable in the long term.

This commitment could mark the beginning of a fundamental shift in Pakistan’s agriculture policies, aligning them more closely with modern, sustainable farming practices. By supporting aquaculture, Pakistan aims to reduce pressure on traditional agriculture while fostering a new generation of self-employed, skilled young professionals.

Economic Ripple Effects

Maryam Nawaz projected that shrimp farming could generate between 10,000 and 20,000 new jobs, contributing meaningfully to the country’s employment landscape. The initiative would allow young people not only to acquire valuable skills but also to engage directly in an industry with robust export potential. This forward-looking approach, rooted in a burgeoning field, has the potential to help address Pakistan’s high youth unemployment rate and spur broader economic activity.

While ambitious, the government’s plan offers a practical, economically viable solution to rural unemployment and economic stagnation. By connecting young people to the aquaculture industry, the program offers a clear pathway to self-employment and financial independence.