Call for prioritising blue economy

The saline aquaculture in the salinity-affected districts of Sindh and Punjab has huge potential in boosting the blue economy and sustainable livelihoods along Southern Indus Basin.

This was the crux of the discussion during the national stakeholder consultative workshop titled "Opportunities for Brackish and Saline Aquaculture in Southern Punjab and Sindh" organised by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) on Thursday.

There was tremendous scope for saline aquaculture in Pakistan as an alternative form of livelihood for farmers dealing with increasing levels of salinity, and to address food security and malnutrition in the country. To date, there has not been a comprehensive assessment of the current state and potential of the saline aquaculture sector in Pakistan.

In this context, IWMI in partnership with WorldFish is implementing opportunities for saline aquaculture in Pakistan project, with funding from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

Acting Australian High Commissioner Damien Donavan said, “Australia and Pakistan share common problems related to climate change, including increased dependence on poor groundwater and accelerated salinity levels. This is a collective national and global problem. Ultimately, the aim of this project is to help at-risk poor farming communities and secure livelihoods in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2023.