Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the transformation of barren lands throughout the province into economic zones under a blue economy initiative centered on aquaculture and shrimp farming. This ambitious programme seeks to establish extensive shrimp farming operations in Sargodha Estate, Ali Wala, and Shah Garh.
Significant progress has been made in infrastructure development at these sites. At the Sargodha shrimp farming location, 118 ponds have been excavated, and 116 tube wells drilled. Land clearance and surveys have been completed over 365 acres. Additionally, construction of a warehouse is nearly finished at 90 percent completion, while work continues on an administrative block and feed storage facilities. The total project area there covers 500 acres.
In Ali Wala, 90 percent of the 1,267 acres designated for the project has been cleared. Excavation of 642 out of 737 ponds is complete, with drainage systems 91 percent finished and earth filling at 80 percent. Construction of administrative and labor infrastructure, including offices, hostels, and warehouses, is underway, with foundation work finalized.
Meanwhile, at Shah Garh, water supply installation is 90 percent complete, electrification stands at 95 percent, and road construction has reached 97 percent completion. These developments reflect the comprehensive nature of the programme’s infrastructure build-out.
This initiative represents Pakistan’s first large-scale, government-supported modern shrimp farming system designed to enhance exports and generate employment opportunities. Technical evaluations have confirmed that water temperatures at the sites are conducive to shrimp cultivation. Experts have also submitted preliminary reports on production trials, with daily feed supply and supplement use yielding promising improvements in output quality.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that establishing shrimp farming international standards will position Punjab as a key aquaculture hub. She highlighted the project’s potential to create jobs and increase export revenues. Authorities have indicated plans to further expand the blue economy programme, aiming to utilize non-arable land more effectively for economic growth.
