Azeem Ahmed Khan

The Punjab government is setting up a Model Fish Market in Lahore, aimed at benefiting the farmers and strengthening the country’s economy through improved operational efficiency and increased exports.

"This state-of-the-art facility will improve fish market standards by adopting global best practices in fish trading and hygiene management," Assistant Director of Fisheries (Aqua), Department of Fisheries Punjab, Daniel Masood, told WealthPK. The Punjab chief minister’s initiative would help boost the local economy and upgrade fisheries-related infrastructure in the province.Currently, the Lahore fish market is struggling with outdated practices, poor hygiene, and inadequate facilities, he said.

In order to address these issues, the new fish market will be built on about 10 to 15 acres of land in Lahore, he added.A well-organized, technologically advanced fish market will not only enhance the supply chain efficiency but also improve the livelihoods of fish farmers and increase exports, he said.The current market can accommodate 50,000 metric tonnes of fish, whereas the new market will have a capacity of 70,000 metric tonnes, he added.

Daniel said the market will be equipped with advanced features, including automated and manual sorting and grading systems, an ice factory, cold storage with blast freezers, a digital price display system, and air-conditioned transport system.Additionally, to ensure proper hygiene management, it will have quality control offices and an efficient drainage system, he added.The facility will include retail shops and an auction and wholesale section. Moreover, it will provide office spaces for traders, aquaculture business shops, a food court, a mosque, parking for 500 vehicles, and a vehicle weighing station.

Daniel said despite the growth of fish farming in Punjab, the province faced several challenges in fish marketing. Since fish is highly perishable, maintaining its quality during storage is essential. The current market lacks proper storage facilities, leading to a shorter shelf life and high post-harvest losses of fish, he said.The present fish market is also facing transportation problems. Improper transport not only deteriorates the quality of fish but sometimes also completely spoils it; therefore, the fish market will provide air-conditioned services to maintain temperature, he said.

Additionally, grading and sorting machines are essential for maintaining quality standards by supplying uniform-sized fish. Installation of these machines in the new market is expected to enhance the consumer trust too.To support the fisheries sector, he said, the Punjab government had already introduced various initiatives, including subsidies, training programs, and infrastructure development aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring sustainability.

The use of advanced farming techniques by the fish farmers has led to a rapid increase in fish production, making efficient marketing channels crucial for the industry’s continued expansion, Daniel said. Previously, fish supply primarily came from natural sources such as rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and canals, but fish farms have now emerged as key suppliers to the market, he added.

Punjab’s fish farming industry is also contributing to exports, he said, adding the new market is expected to boost exports by ensuring compliance with global regulations.According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2023-24, the country exported 207,000 metric tonnes of fish and fish products, generating 534.22 million dollars. Major buyers included China, Thailand, Malaysia, the Middle East, Sri Lanka, and Japan.

Between July 2023 and April 2024, Pakistan’s total fish production reached 720.9 million metric tonnes, comprising 410.9 million metric tonnes from marine fisheries and the rest from inland sources, the survey said.According to the survey, the fishing sector, which contributes 1.39% to agricultural value addition and 0.32% to GDP, grew by 1.44%, compared to 0.35% growth in the previous year.

Credit: INP-WealthPk