LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed her resolve to rehabilitate barren lands across the province by converting them into economic zones under the ‘Blue Economy Programme.’
Significant progress has been achieved in developing infrastructure for shrimp farming projects in Sargodha Estate, Ali Wala and Shah Garh. The chief minister appreciated the team for expediting work on the projects.
In the Sargodha shrimp farming project, excavation of 118 ponds has been completed, while boring of 116 tube wells and 100 per cent land clearing and survey over 365 acres have also been finalised. Construction of the warehouse is 90 percent complete, while work on the admin block and feed store is progressing rapidly. The project spans a total area of 500 acres.
For the Ali Wala shrimp estate, 90 percent of the allocated 1,267 acres have been cleared. Excavation of 642 out of 737 ponds has been completed, while 91 percent work on the drainage system and 100 percent excavation of MDC drains have been finalised.
A survey and clearing of a 9,000-metre road network have been completed, and 80 percent earth filling work has also been achieved. Construction foundations for the admin office, hostel, ware house and labour residences have been completed.
At the Shah Garh shrimp farm, 90 percent work on water supply, 95 percent electrification and 97 percent construction of the access road have been completed. Experts have submitted their reports to the authorities.
The chief minister said that promotion of aquaculture and shrimp farming of international standards would help rehabilitate barren lands, create employment opportunities and boost exports.
Under her vision, the Blue Economy Programme has been launched to develop unused lands across Punjab. This marks the first government-backed initiative in the province introducing a modern scientific system for shrimp farming.
According to experts, the water temperature has been found suitable for shrimp cultivation. The report further stated that shrimps are being provided 114 kilograms of feed daily, while supplements have shown encouraging results in improving both quality and yield to international standards.
Maryam Nawaz commended the team for their rapid progress and reiterated that the initiative would help transform Punjab into a hub of aquaculture.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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