The Fisheries Department generated 5 to 6 million fish seeds (poong) of various types in the previous year. According to Shahid Maqbool, deputy director of hatcheries and fisheries, the department produces a significant number of fish seeds each year, including Rohu, Mori, Thela, Silver Carp, Grass Carp, Common Crop, and Tilapia.

He said one-inch poong costs Rs 700 per thousand, two-inch poong Rs 1,400 per thousand, three- to four-inch poong Rs 2,500 per thousand, four- to five-inch poong Rs 7,000 per thousand, and six-inch poong Rs 10,000 per thousand. According to him, poong larger than 6 inches is sold for Rs 160 per kilogramme.

Shahid Maqbool said that when the remaining fish seed was sold out, some 30,000 pounds were tossed into rivers. He said that the procedure for scattering fish seeds into rivers is overseen by a committee made up of a deputy director and two officers. He said that although fishing by hook is not restricted during the three months of June, July, and August, fishing by net is.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk