Ahmed Khan Malik

Apart from the tremendous potential of marine fisheries, the Sindh province has developed aquaculture to boost production with a view to strengthening the national economy, according to WealthPK. Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world; however, in Pakistan, it has received attention only in recent years and the government has now established several hatcheries and training facilities for the fish farmers. Pakistan has the lowest level of aquaculture fish production among the Asian countries but this trend is now increasing manifolds. Sindh is rich in aquatic resources and has a strong irrigation network based on the Indus River, canals, barrages, reservoirs, lakes, waterlogged areas and village ponds. The land of this southeastern province is very fertile for fish farming; therefore, most fish farms are located in Thatta, Badin and Dadu districts through which the Indus River passes. Badin and Thatta have waterlogged floodplain areas which are very suitable for fish farming. About 6,000 fish farms with an average size of 5-10 acres are operating across the province, employing 20,000 people. Finally, the province and its districts have the greatest potential and huge opportunities for sustainable aquaculture growth and development.

After facing immense agricultural problems, the farmers are now considering aquaculture as the best alternative to them. Aquaculture is a fast-growing industry and is attaining a great significance in most of the rural villages of Sindh, according to a research paper by the Network of Aquaculture. “Aquaculture, as part of fisheries, plays a modest role in supporting the national economy. Therefore, the main objectives of community-based aquaculture development turn around ensuring food security, improving the financial status and wellbeing of rural farmers and their families, reducing poverty and malnutrition, increasing export earnings and creating employment opportunities through expansion of the industry. This can be achieved by using vacant state land for aquaculture and by improving the sustainability of our waters in terms of pollution, overfishing and ecological degradation. This way, many benefits can be gained for the poorest people who often depend on these resources, according to the report.

Freshwater/inland fish farming is under the control of the provincial fisheries department, which supplies seed, operates hatcheries, provides extension services, facilitates interest-free loans, and collects primary data. The department also promotes community-based fish farming through extension manuals, brochures, case studies, exposure visits and by organizing capacity-building workshops and seminars with the aim to practice and promote fish farming on modern methods and techniques based on scientific technology. Many fish farmers are connecting with the department to get assistance for expanding aquacultural operations in their respective areas, said Latif Rajpar, Director of the Fisheries Department. He said the provincial government is carrying out many projects to promote aquaculture, as the potential has yet to be utilized fully. He added that funds have been allocated to facilitate and incentivize those involved in the aquaculture sector.

Credit: INP-WealthPk