Punjab has begun its largest seafood and shrimp farming project under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The goal is to grow the blue economy, create jobs, and raise exports by turning unused land into productive farms.
In a recent meeting, the chief minister approved a plan to develop shrimp farms on 30,000 acres across the province, including Bahawalpur. She also ordered faster use of modern technology in Sargodha after good results in Muzaffargarh, and gradual involvement of private companies.
Already, 1,000 farms covering 5,500 acres are ready, and production has started. Experts helped survey the province and found 40,000 possible sites. At Ali Wala, a hatchery on 5,300 acres with 737 ponds will produce 280 million shrimp every year. Two processing plants, one handling 10 tonnes per hour and another five tonnes, will also be built there.
Pakistan’s first advanced aquaculture mall is planned at Shah Garh. It will supply seed, feed, and rental machines to farmers. A diagnostic lab with chemistry, pathology, and microbiology sections, plus a training hall, will open at Ali Wala. In Sargodha, 500 acres with 167 ponds will produce millions of shrimp yearly, supported by solar power and modern tools.
The chief minister said barren land will become a shrimp export centre, saving foreign exchange now spent on imports and opening chances for young people.
