In the arid expanses of south-west Punjab, where groundwater salinity and waterlogging once spelled agricultural despair, a remarkable transformation is underway. The region, notorious for its challenging saline conditions, has unexpectedly turned into a thriving hub for shrimp farming, offering a new lease of life to farmers who were once compelled to abandon their fields.
A few years ago, the farmers of south-west Punjab, including districts like Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Mansa, and Faridkot, were grappling with unproductive, salt-laden land. Forced into daily wage labor due to the inhospitable farming conditions, their fortunes have now taken a dramatic turn. The shift to shrimp farming has not only revived their livelihoods but has also positioned this region as a potential future shrimp hub of India.
India, a leading global player in shrimp exports, has seen a significant boost from this inland saline area. The success story began with a state-sponsored demonstration in Ratta Khera village, spearheaded by the Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and the Regional Centre of ICAR — Central Institute of Fisheries Education from Haryana. This initiative highlighted the economic viability of utilizing salt-affected wastelands for aquaculture. Following this, similar camps were organized throughout the region, which has since witnessed a dramatic expansion in shrimp farming. From just 1 acre in 2014, the area dedicated to shrimp farming has surged to an impressive 1,315 acres in 2023.
Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, emphasized how the saline and waterlogged lands, once seen as liabilities, have been transformed into valuable aquaculture assets. “The abundance of water, despite its salinity, has been harnessed to develop a thriving aquaculture industry. This shift has converted previously worthless wastelands into profitable ventures,” he said.
Economic returns from this transformation are substantial. Farmers now report earnings ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh per acre through fish and shrimp farming, respectively. Dr. Meera D. Ansal, Dean of the College of Fisheries, noted the university’s efforts in this transition. Over the past five years, around 1,500 water and 2,500 shrimp samples have been tested, and approximately 300 stakeholders have been trained in shrimp farming techniques.
The university’s promotion of entrepreneurial ventures among youth has also been pivotal. Young professionals and recent graduates from the university have successfully adopted shrimp farming, expanding their operations from 1 acre to 3-4 acres within just two years. “Shrimp farming is a highly lucrative enterprise,” Dr. Ansal stated. “If managed well, it can yield a net profit of up to Rs 10 lakh per hectare per crop in just four months.”
Farmers are optimistic about the future. Shrimp cultivation, which thrives from March/April to October/November, has adapted well to the region’s climate. With proper management, shrimp farming in south-west Punjab promises not just economic rejuvenation but also a model of resourceful agricultural innovation in the face of adversity.
