Chandigarh, July 10, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
On the occasion of National Fish Farmers Day, Punjab’s fisheries sector marked a major milestone with 2 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of annual fish production, reinforcing the state’s growing influence in the aquaculture landscape.
Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian applauded the efforts of Punjab’s fish farmers, while urging the youth to capitalize on the sector’s high-income potential.
Aquaculture Expands Across the State
Punjab’s aquaculture footprint now spans 43,683 acres for freshwater fish farming and 985 acres for shrimp farming. These developments are supported by a robust infrastructure of 16 government fish seed farms, 11 fish feed mills, and 7 state-of-the-art labs, designed to empower farmers with resources, training, and technical guidance.
Financial Empowerment of Fish Farmers
Under various fisheries development schemes, the government has disbursed ₹30.64 crore in financial assistance to 637 beneficiary farmers. This support covers:
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Construction of ponds for fish and shrimp
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Installation of Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc Culture Systems
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Purchase of insulated transport vehicles, motorcycles, and auto-rickshaws equipped with ice boxes
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Establishment of fish feed mills
Beneficiaries receive subsidies ranging from 40% to 60%, depending on the component.
In a move to enhance market access, the department has also facilitated the opening of eight private fish kiosks, promoting hygienic retail of fish and value-added products across Punjab.
A Vision for Economic Growth Through Fisheries
Minister Khudian highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the fisheries sector is becoming a pillar of economic development, especially in rural areas. He emphasized that with Punjab’s strong foundation in aquaculture, there is tremendous opportunity for growth in fish and shrimp processing, export, and value chain development.
“This is the perfect time for our youth to enter fish farming. It offers self-employment, sustainability, and a chance to boost Punjab’s economy,” said Khudian.
He extended his greetings to fish farmers and stakeholders on this special day and reiterated the state’s commitment to modernizing and expanding the fisheries sector.
With sustainable practices and forward-thinking policies, Punjab is poised to become a leader in India’s blue economy, offering both prosperity and environmental stewardship through aquaculture.
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