Punjab reports big rise in fish production as the state celebrates World Fisheries Day with major gains in aquaculture. Punjab reports big rise in fish production, and Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said the sector now plays an important role in rural income growth.
Fish farming covers 43,685 acres across Punjab. Annual production has crossed two lakh metric tonnes. Shrimp cultivation has also expanded, with 1,034 acres of saline land yielding 2,759 metric tonnes. The minister praised farmers for adopting modern techniques and moving toward sustainable practices.
Sixteen Government Fish Seed Farms support this growth by supplying quality seed at fair rates. The state is also pushing the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Under the scheme, 683 beneficiaries have received ₹31.04 crore in subsidies for new ponds, Biofloc units, RAS systems, feed mills and transport support.
Khudian urged farmers to continue raising production and said the government remains committed to stronger aquaculture infrastructure. He highlighted efforts under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to convert unused land into productive assets.
Principal Secretary Rahul Bhandari also congratulated farmers. He noted that Rohu was recently declared Punjab’s State Fish and said a new scheme now supports pond construction in low-lying areas and renovation of old ponds.
