Around 25 percent of fish farms in South Punjab were damaged during the recent floods, affecting hundreds of farms across Muzaffargarh, Khanewal, and Multan districts, according to Director Fisheries Dr Riazuddin.

Before the floods, 2,757 fish farms had been established across the region, spanning a total of 38,240 acres. These farms played a vital role in aquaculture production and provided livelihoods to thousands of families engaged in fish breeding, rearing, and marketing.

However, the floods inflicted heavy losses on the sector. In Muzaffargarh, 105 fish farms covering 2,251 acres were damaged out of 1,081 farms spread across 16,342 acres. In Khanewal, 63 farms on 5,575 acres were affected out of 303 farms established over 8,123 acres. Meanwhile, in Multan, three farms spanning 75 acres were damaged out of 172 farms covering 3,820 acres.

Dr Riazuddin said the Punjab Fisheries Department, under the provincial government’s direction, had compiled detailed loss assessments through field staff. Reports have been submitted to the government, and rehabilitation work will be undertaken through the respective deputy commissioners.

“The Punjab government will take necessary steps to support affected farmers and restore fish farming activities,” he said.

He added that the department’s Publicity Wing continues to hold seminars and workshops across Punjab to train farmers on modern aquaculture techniques, feed management, and disease control.

Source - https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk