December 18, 2007

Pakistan introduces new policy to boost aqua exports

Pakistan would implement the National Fisheries Policy aligned with efforts to increase fish and shrimp exports to US$1 billion in a six-year plan.

The new policy was announced at the wake of an EU ban on Pakistani seafood imports, due to poor sanitary conditions.

The Pakistani government announced details of the National Fisheries Policy 2007 with a US$33.4 million package to up fish and shrimp production. The target is to increase fish and shrimp exports to US$1 billion in six years from the present US$500 million.

While the final draft of the policy is yet to be released, the Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MinFAL) said that Pakistan plans to increase the national fish supply through a public-private partnership, based on a sustainable increase in inland and marine fisheries production and resolving post harvest issues.

The government also plans to establish model fish farms and fish markets, set up new or renovate existing fish and shrimp hatcheries, and introduce a fish cage-culture system in reservoirs and dams.

The existence of a fisheries development board that included representatives from the public and private sectors was further proposed. The board would provide 20 percent financing for the establishment of fish farms while 80 percent would come from the private sector. Eleven model farms would be established on a total area of 1,175 acres.

A training center for fishermen at Gawader, Balochistan was discussed and a quality management system would be set up.