Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken a major step toward promoting aquaculture in the province, particularly shrimp farming. Under the new plan, shrimp estates will be developed over a total area of 5,600 acres in Sargodha and Alipur. The project seeks to transform barren and saline lands into productive assets through modern shrimp farming practices, marking a significant milestone in Punjab’s agricultural and economic development.
According to official updates, the 15th daily progress report of the Sargodha shrimp farming project has been released. So far, nine shrimp ponds have been completed on 20 acres, while 5,320 metres of drainage work have been finalized. Surveys for an additional 10 acres have also been completed as part of the next phase. Meanwhile, a quality control laboratory being established in Lahore at a cost of Rs4.5 billion is nearly complete, with 99% of construction finished. A separate laboratory in Muzaffargarh, designed to support shrimp farming research and provide a favorable environment for aquaculture, has also reached 98% completion.