First state-level ‘shrimp mela’ in Punjab

First state-level ‘shrimp mela’ in Punjab : 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.

February 2023 Current Affairs Quiz

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.