Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, has launched a groundbreaking internship program aimed at empowering young graduates in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Zoology by offering them hands-on training in shrimp farming. This initiative, conducted through Punjab’s Fisheries Department, will be hosted at a shrimp farm in Muzaffargarh and is set to provide graduates with essential practical skills that align with global agricultural and aquaculture trends.
This six-month internship program is designed to offer participants in-depth experience in shrimp farming, an area with significant economic potential. Selected interns will gain real-world experience in managing and cultivating shrimp and will receive a monthly stipend of 50,000 rupees. The Chief Minister highlighted that the initiative will not only build essential skills among graduates but also position Punjab to tap into the growing global demand for shrimp, which could substantially boost Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized the revenue potential of shrimp farming, stating that an effective expansion into this sector could convert approximately 100,000 acres of land into shrimp cultivation areas, generating over a billion dollars in annual revenue. She outlined a broader vision of transforming South Punjab’s vast barren lands into highly productive shrimp farming zones, thereby enhancing the region’s economic growth.
To ensure the success of this ambitious program, the provincial government has included a range of support measures for farmers and investors. This includes providing access to leased land, necessary equipment, and various incentives designed to encourage both self-employment and broader investment in shrimp farming. Officials anticipate that these efforts will create between 10,000 to 20,000 new job opportunities, which will drive youth employment and financial independence in Punjab.
The government’s initiative also serves as a model for sustainable development, aiming to make Pakistan a competitive player in the international shrimp market. By equipping young graduates with in-demand skills, the program offers a path to self-sufficiency while promoting agriculture-based economic growth.
