LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to rehabilitate barren lands across the province by converting them into economic zones under the Blue Economy Programme.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Monday that progress had been achieved in developing infrastructure for shrimp farming projects in Sargodha Estate, Aliwala and Shahgarh. In the Sargodha shrimp farming project, excavation of 118 ponds has been completed, while boring of 116 tubewells and 100 per cent land clearing and survey over 365 acres have been finalised.

Construction of the warehouse is 90pc complete, while work on the admin block and feed store is progressing rapidly. The project spans a total area of 500 acres, the CM was told.

For the Aliwala shrimp estate, 90pc of the allocated 1,267 acres have been cleared. Excavation of 642 out of 737 ponds has been completed, while 91pc of work on the drainage system and 100pc excavation of MDC drains have been finalised. A survey and clearing of a 9,000-metre road network is completed and 80pc earth filling work achieved.

Construction foundations for the admin office, hostel, warehouse and labour residences have been completed. At the Shahgarh shrimp farm, 90pc of work on water supply, 95pc electrification and 97pc 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.

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.

The CM was told that the water temperature has been found suitable for shrimp cultivation. The shrimps are being provided with 114kg of feed daily, while supplements have shown encouraging results in improving both quality and yield to international standards.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2026