AI Generated Summary
- Punjab’s women are emerging as powerful contributors to the state’s fast-growing aquaculture industry, standing shoulder to shoulder with men in steering the Blue Revolution.
- A Sector on the RiseAfter a brief slump a few years ago, Punjab’s fisheries are growing rapidly.
- With women taking leadership roles and innovative schemes fueling growth, Punjab’s Blue Revolution is not just about fish and shrimp — it’s a story of empowerment, resilience, and economic transformation.
Punjab’s women are emerging as powerful contributors to the state’s fast-growing aquaculture industry, standing shoulder to shoulder with men in steering the Blue Revolution. Official data shows that 140 women are successfully managing shrimp farms compared to 155 men, while 576 women oversee fish ponds against 3,682 men.
In Ena Khera village of Muktsar, 10-acre fish farmer Harsimrat Kaur is a shining example of this trend. “Taking care of fish comes naturally to women, just like poultry and dairy,” she says. “There are at least a dozen ponds being managed by women in our neighbourhood alone.”
Sheenam Jindal, Assistant Director (Fisheries), Muktsar, echoes this sentiment. “Women are excellent in pond management. We have several women officers in our department as well. It’s inspiring to see women running integrated farms where poultry or piggery coexists with fish ponds. Fish thrive on the organic waste from these animals, making the process sustainable.”
The participation of women has gained a boost under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), launched in 2020. Although not exclusive to women, the scheme identifies them as a priority group, offering financial aid and technical support. Since its inception, at least 173 women have joined aquaculture ventures across the state.
Rahul Bhandari, Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry Development and Fisheries, notes, “Even in projects registered under their husbands’ names, women are often the driving force behind fish and shrimp farms. Their precision in feeding, pond upkeep, and harvesting is crucial for success. This alternative farming model is helping farmers break free from the traditional wheat-paddy cycle.”
Tejinder Kaur of Bahadur Khera village in Fazilka district shares her success story: “I started with a PMMSY loan. Fish farming gives far better returns than wheat or paddy — I earn nearly ₹3 lakh per acre in a single season. I plan to expand further.”
A Sector on the Rise
After a brief slump a few years ago, Punjab’s fisheries are growing rapidly. The state now boasts 43,683 acres of aqua farms, producing approximately two lakh tonnes of fish annually for 2024–25. Fish production has risen from 1,64,879 tonnes in 2010–11 to over 2,00,003 tonnes this year. The number of ponds has increased from 12,112 to 12,881 in the same period.
Shrimp culture is also gaining momentum, particularly in Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar, Abohar, and Fazilka districts, where saline soils have been converted into productive shrimp farms. Punjab currently produces about 2,550 tonnes of shrimp annually, most of which is shipped to markets outside the state.
Gurpreet Singh, Director and Warden of Fisheries, highlights the department’s efforts to support farmers. “The Punjab Fisheries Department, established in 1912, is one of the oldest in India. We conduct five-day training camps in every district each month, while the College of Fisheries at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University offers expert guidance year-round.”
With women taking leadership roles and innovative schemes fueling growth, Punjab’s Blue Revolution is not just about fish and shrimp — it’s a story of empowerment, resilience, and economic transformation.
