Sindh govt to launch new plan to boost fish farming

KARACHI:

Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister for Human Settlement, Spatial Development and Social Housing, Syed Najmi Alam, has announced that the Sindh govt plans to launch a new scheme in collaboration with World Bank, under which groups of ten persons interested in fish farming can avail of 75 per cent funding from the Sindh Fisheries Department.

He announced this while addressing a delegation led by Sindh Assembly member Asif Khan.

Alam said that province's fishing industry and fishermen lag far behind global standards. He highlighted the country's restriction of a 12-nautical-mile fishing limit and expressed concerns over insufficient development in fish farming. "The government is actively promoting fish farming, especially on fertile lands, and urges the residents in Sindh to engage in this sector", he said.

Alam assured that the administration would support fishermen with necessary assistance for water testing and fish species.

Regarding fishing contracts, he noted previous unsuccessful attempts and mentioned plans to reintroduce the contract system pending government approval.