Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a major aquaculture initiative aimed at promoting shrimp farming and transforming barren and saline land into productive assets across the province.
PM Shehbaz Orders Ministries to Fast-Track Investment, Development Proposals
Under the plan, shrimp estates covering a total area of 5,600 acres will be developed in Sargodha and Alipur, marking a significant step toward agricultural diversification and economic growth in Punjab. The project is being described as one of the province’s most ambitious Blue Economy initiatives.
According to official updates, the 15th daily progress report of the Sargodha shrimp farming project indicates steady progress. Nine shrimp ponds have been completed over 20 acres, while 5,320 metres of drainage work has been finalized. Surveys for an additional 10 acres have also been completed to facilitate expansion in the next phase.
Supporting infrastructure is nearing completion. A Rs4.5 billion quality control laboratory in Lahore is 99% complete, while another specialized laboratory in Muzaffargarh, aimed at aquaculture research and shrimp farming support, has reached 98% completion.
Capacity-building efforts are also underway. Pakistani experts have completed training visits to Saudi Arabia and Mexico, while international aquaculture specialists Jeffrey and Jamie Dominguez visited Pakistan to provide technical guidance. Written examinations have also been conducted for 100 interns selected for the project.
Infrastructure development continues across project sites, with 32 tubewells and eight transformers installed, and shrimp seed introduced into 64 research ponds. Additional shrimp estates and value chains are being developed in Sargodha and Muzaffargarh.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the initiative would significantly increase exports, generate thousands of jobs, and position Punjab as a key player in the regional aquaculture industry.
