First state-level ‘shrimp mela’ in Punjab

Tags: Festivals State News

Punjab's first state level 'Prawn Fair' began on February 17 at Enakheda village in Muktsar district.

An overview of the news

  • This mela is an effort of the state government to create more awareness about shrimp farming.

  • This fair is being organised to make farmers aware of various schemes for fish farming and to encourage more and more people to participate in it.

  • In this, experts will help farmers understand about aquaculture.

  • Shrimp farming began in the state in 2016-17.

What is shrimp farming?

  • It is an aquaculture-based activity in marine or freshwater to produce shrimp for human consumption.

  • Five south-western districts of Punjab, Muktsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Bathinda and Faridkot are known for shrimp farming.

Why was shrimp farming introduced in Punjab?

  • South-west Punjab has saline groundwater which is not suitable for agriculture. Waterlogging is a perennial problem in this belt.

  • Therefore, shrimp farming was proposed as a solution for farmers whose land was lying unutilized.

  • Shrimp cultivation was started in 2016-17 on a one acre plot in Ratta Kheda village of Muktsar district.

  • The project was a success, with a one-acre pond producing four tons of shrimp.

  • The project was funded jointly by the central and state government.

  • By 2022-23, a total of 1,212 acres of land has been taken up for shrimp farming in southwest Punjab, with a total production of 2,413 tonnes of shrimp.

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