In a strategic move aimed at enhancing economic development through fish production and export, the district administration of the federal capital is set to create a cutting-edge fish hatchery on Rawal dam spanning five acres of land at Rawal Dam. This ambitious venture is designed to adhere to international standards and serves as an alternative solution to address the escalating food requirements of the growing populace.
Fish Hatchery on Rawal Dam Project Details
The fish hatchery on Rawal dam project entails the establishment of state-of-the-art ponds and fish feed centers, harnessing the latest technology available. Sources within the district administration have confirmed that a substantial budget of Rs 52 million has been allocated for this initiative, emphasizing the commitment to its success.
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Currently, Pakistan boasts 29 fish processing units, with the capacity to store and process approximately 10,000 tonnes of fish. However, despite the country’s extensive coastline and the abundance of fish in its waters, the fisheries sector’s contribution to Pakistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains at only 1%.
A startling fact is that the waters of Pakistan reportedly contain four times the fish found in the vast Indian Ocean, yet the sector remains largely untapped.
Expectations and Growth Prospects of the Fish Hatchery On Rawal Dam
According to a sector report, it is projected that fish production in Pakistan will reach 178,000 metric tonnes by 2026, indicating a growth of 1.4% from the 162,000 metric tons reported in 2021. It’s noteworthy that since 1965, the country’s fish production has grown at an annual rate of 0.7%.
In 2021, Pakistan was ranked 28th in global fish production, surpassing France, which produced 162,000 metric tons. However, in the realm of fish exports, Pakistan held the 50th position in 2021. To harness the true potential of its fisheries sector, a comprehensive national fisheries policy is on the horizon, according to Fisheries Deputy Director Hamid Mehmood Khan.
Fulfilling a Vision for Economic Prosperity
The fisheries sector’s development is expected to reduce unemployment and stimulate economic activity, while also promoting a healthier diet among the population. Barren lands have been identified as potential sites for fish farms, addressing the growing demand for fish.
An innovative approach known as biofloc fish farming is set to be introduced, enabling the cultivation of new fish breeds for aquaculture. This approach not only expands the variety of fish available for farming but also mitigates the risk of declining fish populations.
Biofloc farming involves high-density fish rearing in specially designed water tanks made of turbulane sheet. This method allows for the effective utilization of waste as an enhanced feed source for the fish, contributing to a sustainable and efficient aquaculture process.
The establishment of the fish hatchery on Rawal dam stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth, catering to the dietary needs of the population, and tapping into the immense potential of Pakistan’s fisheries sector. With an ambitious vision and strategic planning, this fish hatchery on Rawal dam project holds the promise of a more prosperous and self-sufficient future.
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