Aquaculture is emerging as a promising sector, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, due to its diverse ecological zones. Omar Hayat Khan, a fisheries and aquaculture expert, highlighted the region’s potential for developing aquaculture as a sub-sector of agriculture. He emphasized the need for further investment and improvement in hatcheries to meet the demands of the private sector.
Khan suggested attracting foreign direct investment for new technologies and fish products, such as warm water Grouper fish, which are in high demand in foreign markets like China. He proposed utilizing existing government hatcheries for fish seed production in collaboration with the private sector, facilitated by chambers of commerce and industry. Khan emphasized the importance of developing fisheries and aquaculture as part of provincial development strategies, particularly in newly merged districts and divisions like Malakand and Hazara, where trout fish aquaculture has significant potential.
He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including government departments, the Board of Investment and Trade, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority. Khan also underscored the importance of utilizing small dams in southern districts for fish aquaculture and emphasized the role of the SIFC in facilitating investors and driving growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sector to create employment opportunities and boost rural economies.
