In a landmark recognition of their contributions to aquaculture, six pioneering shrimp farmers from Punjab were invited by the central government to attend the three-day Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The invitation, extended by the Department of Fisheries, marks a significant acknowledgment of the farmers’ role in advancing sustainable shrimp farming in the state.
The distinguished guests include Harmeet Singh of Fazilka, Robindeep Kaur from Mansa, Kamaljit Singh and Narinderjit Kaur from Ludhiana, Rupinder Kaur from Muktsar, and Sukhraj Singh Sandhu from Mohali. Accompanied by their families, these farmers represent the success stories nurtured under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a flagship scheme aimed at boosting the fisheries sector.
Under PMMSY, the Centre and Punjab’s state government have collaboratively provided substantial financial support, covering 40% to 60% of the initial investment costs for shrimp farming ventures. Jasvir Singh, Director of the Punjab Fisheries Department, highlighted the scheme’s impact, noting that over ₹26 crores have been disbursed to more than 500 beneficiaries to date.
Rupinder Kaur of Muktsar shared her excitement about the upcoming event. “This is a proud moment for us. My husband Manjinder Singh and I have worked hard to establish our shrimp farming business, and being invited to such a prestigious event is an honor not just for us but for our entire community,” she remarked. The couple began their shrimp farming journey in 2011, initially cultivating shrimp in a four-acre pond before expanding to 12 acres across Enna Khera and Dhabhan Kokrian villages.
Muktsar district stands out as a leader in Punjab’s shrimp farming landscape, boasting 400 acres dedicated to the practice. The region’s favorable saline water conditions, a byproduct of waterlogging, have made it an ideal hub for aquaculture. Kewal Krishan, Assistant Director of Fisheries in Muktsar, emphasized the district’s prominence, stating, “Nearly half of Punjab’s shrimp farming area is in Muktsar, supported by our extensive saline water resources and existing fish farming infrastructure spanning 1,800 acres.”
The PMMSY scheme offers a tiered subsidy structure, providing 40% assistance to general category entrepreneurs and up to 60% for individuals from SC/ST communities and women. This strategic support has not only facilitated the growth of shrimp farming but also empowered marginalized groups within the state.
As the invited farmers prepare to fly from Chandigarh to Delhi, their participation in the Republic Day festivities underscores the vital role of aquaculture in Punjab’s agricultural economy. Their achievements serve as a testament to the success of government initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector.
The celebration, scheduled from January 25 to 27, will showcase the farmers’ contributions and highlight the potential of shrimp farming as a lucrative and environmentally sustainable livelihood. As Punjab continues to lead in this sector, the recognition of these farmers sets a precedent for other regions to follow, promoting innovation and resilience in India’s aquaculture industry.
