India commits over US$581M to expand shrimp farming
Punjab is investing in shrimp farming and building a model fish market
INDIA – Punjab state in India is undertaking a large-scale project to grow its shrimp farming industry, with a budget of over US$581 million aimed at creating jobs and boosting seafood exports.
At the core of the plan is the construction of three shrimp farming estates in South Punjab’s Muzaffargarh district, which will serve as dedicated production and processing hubs.
According to the Department of Fisheries, one of the key sites will be a 3,000-acre shrimp farm in Rakh Ali Wala, backed by an investment of US$116 million.
The remaining part of the US$465 million allocated for infrastructure will go towards setting up shrimp value chain estates in Head Muhammad Wala, Shahgarh, and another site also in Rakh Ali Wala.
These value chain estates are being designed to include hatcheries, feed manufacturing units, and shrimp processing facilities, forming a complete system to handle production from start to finish.
Fisheries official Tayyab Rizwan confirmed that these integrated estates are intended to improve production output and streamline processing while also creating employment opportunities in the region.
To initiate the project, the Punjab government has earmarked US$34.9 million in its upcoming fiscal year budget to begin construction and site development.
Alongside the expansion of shrimp farming, the state is also planning to build a new fish market in Lahore, with an overall budget of US$116 million.
The proposed model market will offer cold storage facilities, value addition units, and a structured supply chain aimed at supporting both fish and shrimp farmers with improved access to buyers.
An initial amount of US$9.85 million has already been set aside for the market’s development, which is expected to begin soon.
Officials say the fish market is part of a broader effort to modernize seafood distribution channels in Punjab, reduce post-harvest losses, and connect producers directly with retail networks.
While India is already a leading global player in shrimp exports, this initiative highlights Punjab’s attempt to enter the sector more competitively, with Andhra Pradesh currently contributing the bulk of national production.
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