Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has inaugurated Pakistan’s largest pilot project for shrimp farming. The initiative, located in Jhalarin North near Muzaffargarh, is an effort to capitalize on the global demand for shrimp, promising substantial economic returns.

Ambitious Plans for Expansion

During her visit, the Chief Minister announced ambitious plans to expand shrimp farming to 100,000 acres in Punjab, with incentives to attract both farmers and investors. “Shrimp farming on 100,000 acres can generate up to USD 1 billion in foreign exchange, with a potential profit margin of up to 40%,” stated Maryam Nawaz. The initiative aims to transform barren lands in south Punjab into productive shrimp farms, offering land under a minimum lease period along with seeds, feed, and essential equipment.

The pilot project, developed by the Punjab Fisheries Department, was completed in a record two months. During her visit, Maryam Nawaz inspected shrimp ponds, fed the shrimp, and conducted an aerial survey of the project. The pilot project’s first harvest, expected in October, is set to produce 100 metric tons of shrimp from its initial 100-acre setup. A mix of 50% local and 50% foreign feed is being used for the first time in shrimp farming, setting a benchmark for future aquaculture initiatives in the region.

Economic and Employment Impact

The project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities, potentially generating between 10,000 to 20,000 jobs. Under the leadership of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the government is targeting an expansion to 2,000 acres for shrimp aquaculture in the near future. Over the next five years, the goal is to increase the shrimp farming area to 4,750 acres and boost exports to USD 50 million, with a ten-year target of USD 150 million.

To support this vision, 600 farmers will receive specialized training under the Shrimp Farming Aquaculture Project. Furthermore, Punjab’s first Aquaculture Research and Development Centre is being established to provide ongoing research and innovation in the field. The initiative also includes plans to rent essential machinery and equipment to farmers, further lowering the barriers to entry for new participants in the shrimp farming industry.