- Financial Support: Approximately Rs. 27 crore has been granted to over 500 beneficiaries under various fisheries projects in Punjab.
- Impressive Production: More than 1.81 lakh tonnes of fish are produced annually from natural waters, private, and panchayati ponds.
Chandigarh, February 12:
Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced on Wednesday that the state’s fisheries sector has witnessed remarkable growth due to a series of strategic measures aimed at boosting fish production and aquaculture development. The state government’s fish seed farms now produce over 14 crore high-quality fish seedlings every year, which are supplied to farmers at subsidized rates.
Minister Khudian highlighted that the fisheries infrastructure in Punjab includes 16 government fish seed farms, 11 fish feed mills, and 7 laboratories dedicated to supporting fish farmers. Up to December 2024, the production reached 14.74 crore fish seedlings, up from 13.90 crore in 2023. Additionally, Punjab boasts 43,973 acres under fish farming, with an annual fish production of 1,81,188 tonnes sourced from natural waters, as well as private and panchayati ponds.
The minister further explained that the state is actively encouraging youth and women to embrace fisheries as a livelihood. A financial benefit covering 40% to 60% of the unit cost has been extended for various projects. Financial assistance totaling around Rs. 27 crore has been provided to more than 500 beneficiaries under initiatives that include expanding fish and shrimp farming areas, establishing Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), implementing biofloc culture systems, procuring vehicles for fish transportation, setting up fish feed mills, and launching fish kiosks.
In addition to financial support, free elementary training in fish and shrimp farming is offered every month, and technical assistance is provided for pond preparation, seed stocking, fish rearing, and harvesting.
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Aiming to spearhead a blue revolution in the state, Minister Khudian stated that modern techniques and enhanced infrastructure are being adopted to further boost fish production and aquaculture development, ultimately increasing farmers’ incomes. Recent infrastructure improvements include the inauguration of a new government fish seed farm at Killian Wali village in Fazilka district and the establishment of a new retail fish market at Ghalauri village in Patiala district.
Emphasizing the immense potential of the fisheries sector, Minister Khudian urged state farmers to explore allied sectors to further augment their income. He also noted that on the eve of the 76th Republic Day in New Delhi, six fish and shrimp farmers from Punjab were felicitated by the Fisheries Department.
