Govt Sets 120-Day Deadline for Shrimp Export Roadmap

As the administration seeks to turn aquaculture into a competitive export industry, the federal administration has set a 120-day deadline to develop a roadmap for expanding shrimp farming, improving seafood processing and increasing exports.

Key points

• In April, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz remarked progress had been produced on infrastructure for shrimp farming projects in Sargodha Estate, Aliwala and Shahgarh.
• The initiative comes after Pakistan's fish and fish preparations exports reached a record $568 million in fiscal year 2026, according to the federal administration.
• The deadline was confirmed by a prime ministerial subcommittee on aquaculture and the shrimp value chain, chaired by Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday.
• Sindh's secretary for livestock and fisheries remarked a feasibility study was underway for a 3, 500 acre shrimp farm in the province.
• Seven technical working groups and a projection and costing cell have been approved to prepare 14 reports and export projections.

Notably, the deadline was confirmed by a prime ministerial subcommittee on aquaculture and the shrimp value chain, chaired by Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday.

In practice, the initiative is part of a 24-month implementation and review process involving federal and provincial institutions. Pakistan Tests Satellite Irrigation System on 13 Million Kanal Farm Land. Govt Intends Coordinated Shrimp Farming Strategy.

Notably, the subcommittee will prepare a comprehensive report using verified data and recommendations from industry stakeholders. The report will establish a baseline for the sector, identify bottlenecks throughout the value chain and propose measures to improve production, processing and export competitiveness, according to an official statement.

Seven technical working groups and a projection and costing cell have been approved to prepare 14 reports and export projections. The committee additionally adopted a common framework for collecting and validating data, prioritizing challenges, developing reforms and monitoring progress.

For context, an initial 14 day action plan was approved, with participating institutions directed to complete their assigned tasks within the prescribed deadlines. KP to Obtain Rs. 69.89 Billion Irrigation Project. Provinces Identify Shrimp Farming Opportunities.

Notably, the session included representatives from the fisheries departments of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan, alongside office-holders from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and the federal ministries of food security and maritime affairs.

Chaudhry remarked the exercise would identify constraints and develop practical solutions to expand shrimp farming, strengthen value addition and rise exports. He continued that the federal administration would work with provincial administrations and other stakeholders to pool expertise and develop a coordinated strategy. Sindh Intends 3, 500 Acre Shrimp Farm.

Sindh's secretary for livestock and fisheries remarked a feasibility study was underway for a 3, 500 acre shrimp farm in the province. He additionally highlighted the need to address challenges related to value addition and traceability.

Punjab is additionally exploring opportunities to introduce shrimp farming. Provincial Aquaculture and Fisheries Secretary Rana Saleem Afzal remarked departments were working to establish the industry, particularly in areas where high groundwater salinity had produced conventional cultivation tough. Pakistan's Inflation to Rise Further Next Year.

While acknowledging that developing an effective value chain remained a major challenge, he remarked efforts were underway to establish hatcheries in such areas. Pakistan Eyes Higher Seafood Export Earnings.

Participants proposed measures to improve shrimp processing and value addition for both export markets and domestic consumption, where shrimp and prawns remain in high demand in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In practice, the next session will review identified bottlenecks and available baseline data needed to promote shrimp farming.

In April, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz remarked progress had been produced on infrastructure for shrimp farming projects in Sargodha Estate, Aliwala and Shahgarh. Punjab has additionally rolled out the Blue Economy Programme to develop unused land and introduce modern scientific shrimp farming systems.

Notably, the initiative comes after Pakistan's fish and fish preparations exports reached a record $568 million in fiscal year 2026, according to the federal administration. Seafood exports are primarily shipped to China, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Indonesia and the United States. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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Taken together, the developments around govt Sets 120-Day Deadline for Shrimp Export Roadmap point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.