Lahore: Punjab is accelerating efforts to convert barren and underutilised land into productive economic assets under its Blue Economy Programme, with a strong focus on large-scale shrimp farming projects across the province.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to developing aquaculture as a new growth sector, aimed at boosting exports, creating employment opportunities, and improving land productivity.
During a review of ongoing projects, the chief minister was briefed on significant progress at key shrimp farming sites, including Sargodha Estate, Ali Wala, and Shah Garh.
At the Sargodha project, spanning 500 acres, officials reported that excavation of 118 ponds has been completed. In addition, 116 tube wells have been bored, while land clearing and surveying work has been fully completed across 365 acres. Construction of a warehouse is 90% complete, and work on the administration block and feed storage facility is progressing rapidly.
At the Ali Wala shrimp estate, covering 1,267 acres, around 90% of land clearing has been completed. Out of 737 planned ponds, 642 have already been excavated. Officials also confirmed that 91% of the drainage system and all MDC drains have been completed. A 9,000-metre road network has been surveyed and cleared, while 80% of earth filling work is complete. Foundations for key infrastructure, including the administration office, hostel, warehouse, and labour residences, have also been laid.
Progress at Shah Garh was also highlighted, with 90% completion of water supply systems, 95% electrification, and 97 percent completion of the access road.
Officials informed the chief minister that feasibility and technical assessments have confirmed favourable conditions for shrimp cultivation, including suitable water temperatures. Daily feed supply of 114 kilograms is being maintained, with the use of supplements showing encouraging results in improving yield quality aligned with international standards.
The chief minister said the initiative represents a major step toward reclaiming unused land and introducing a scientific, large-scale model of shrimp farming in Punjab for the first time. She added that the Blue Economy Programme is designed to transform underutilised land into productive zones while strengthening the province’s export capacity.
She further directed authorities to ensure timely completion of all projects, emphasizing coordination among departments to maintain momentum and efficiency.
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