February 14, 2007

Pakistan unveils US$34-million plan to boost aquaculture

Pakistan's government has unveiled plans for a mega project of aquaculture and shrimp farming worth Rs2.074 billion (US$34 million) to be implemented over 5 years across the country.

The project would be initiated in all the federating units, tge Northern Areas with headquarters at Karachi and sub-office at Islamabad, a senior government official told The News.

Under the project, four new hatcheries would be established apart from renovating four existing hatcheries, setting up of 11 model shrimp farms, 6 model markets, and cage culture at five sites.

The required land would be provided by the provincial governments for hatcheries, model fish farms and model fish markets. However, land for office building of Fisheries Management Section is available at National Agriculture Research Council, the official said.

The project also envisages promotion of shrimp farming on 2000 hectares of coastal land in Sindh and Balochistan.

Provincial governments would also provide land for shrimp farming on lease to the private sector. The project would be implemented over a period of five years.

Sale proceeds of shrimp and fish from 11 model shrimp farms and 500 cages established under the project would be used to finalise the cost.

The recurring cost of hatcheries, model fish farms markets and cage culture established in the provinces will be borne by the respective provincial governments, the government said.