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Aquaculture in Pakistan: Status, opportunities and challenges

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Indian Journal of Geo Marine Sciences
Vol. 46 (09), September 2017, pp. 1872-1878

Aquaculture in Pakistan: Status, Opportunities and Challenges

Muhammad Mohsin, Yongtong Mu*, Ana Mehak, Aamir Mahmood Memon,
Muhammad Noman & Kiran Nazir

College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China

*[E-mail: ytmu@ouc.edu.cn]

Received 16 February 2016 ; revised 24 February 2016

This study finds that aquaculture sector in Pakistan is making progress at a greater pace but still the rate is low. Despite
of having enormous aquatic resources fisheries production is stumpy. Unfortunately, mariculture is almost absent in
Pakistan. However, aquaculture sector contributes significantly in the agriculture GDP. In order to further boost the
contribution of this sector in national economy concrete steps are direly needed.

[Key words: Aquaculture, Overview, Economics, Blue Economy, Pakistan]

Introduction freshwater. Freshwater aquaculture, usually water

Aquaculture is a combination of activities which
result in the production of aquatic organisms for
human consumption1. This industry employs various
technologies for various aquatic environments. It is
practiced from community based subsistence to large
commercial farms all around the globe. Nowadays,
this agricultural sector has emerged as a multinational
commercial enterprise2. Aquaculture is categorized
into extensive and intensive systems based upon water
quality, feed inputs and habitat use3-4. Extensive
aquaculture is commonly practiced in those areas
where skilled labor is not available such as in rural
areas of developing countries5-6. The production of
aquatic organisms through this system is low.
However, intensive systems employ latest knowledge
such as of pond construction, feed formulation and
stocking densities etc. for commercial production of
aquatic organisms7. Intensive system is increasing
with the passage of time around the world. Even in
some countries like Bangladesh, India, Indonesia,
Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam the aquaculture
production from semi-intensive and intensive system
supersedes national production8.
Aquaculture is practiced in a variety of aquatic
environments i.e. marine, brackish water and
with salinity lower than 0.5 parts per thousand, is
often regarded as inland aquaculture4. In 2009,
production from this system was 64% of total world’s
aquaculture production9. It has been found that a large
variety of aquatic creatures are reared with
aquaculture for example in 2004, 245 families and
336 individual taxa were farmed all over the world10.
However, reared aquatic organisms through
aquaculture are broadly classified into five taxonomic
classes i.e. finfish, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic
plants and aquatic animals that are not elsewhere
included in (nei)11. Among all of these groups, finfish
is the category that dominates production. Mostly
carp species are the cultured fin fishes9. Molluscs,
such as oysters, mussels and calms, contribute about
25% in global aquaculture production12.
Pakistan is blessed with plenty of marine as well as
inland aquatic resources. These fishery resources have
immense potential for economic development in this
region13-14. Estimated figures show that about 50000
people are associated with aquaculture in Pakistan. In
2004, aquaculture sector contributed 70000 tonnes of
fish where the total fish production was 564105
tonnes in that year15. Capture fisheries production in
Pakistani marine waters is decreasing with the
 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 46, NO. 09, SEPTEMBER 2017
passage of time. This is because of overfishing which
is continued in Pakistani marine waters. Due to lack
of planning, attention and policy implementation the
marine sector is under an open access regime. Thus,
currently marine resources are under stress so
overfishing must be controlled to conserve fishery
resources and there must be a good alternative to
produce fish food for human consumption16-18.
Aquaculture is the best option that can not only help
to eliminate hunger but also has a potential to uplift
economic condition. To our knowledge available
literature on the statistics of aquaculture in Pakistan is
scare and does not describe its potential for economic
development along with practical suggestions and
steps for the betterment of this sector in this country.
Thus, this research work is the first effort in this
regard.
Materials and Methods
In order to pursue project objectives extensive
literature review related to aquaculture and fisheries
economics with reference to Pakistan was done.
Information was gathered from multiple sources.
Several research articles, reports, communications,
opinion articles etc. were analyzed to compile this
study. Various government offices and departments
were contacted to gather information. Numerical data
related to aquaculture sector was obtained from Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United States
(FAO). For this purpose all the available numerical
data, 1950 – 2013, was procured by using FAO’s
specialized fishery software viz. FishStatJ – FAO
Global Fishery and Aquaculture Statistic’s Software12.
For comparative data analysis the available data is
divided into two periods i.e. pre and post 2000 period.
For this study, post 2000 period includes the year of
2000. Data related to aquaculture economics of one
acre fish farm was obtained from the Department of
Fisheries, Punjab, Pakistan. Details of theoretical
concepts, principals and government planning were
obtained from the published literature. However, as
being native citizen of Pakistan, some practical
knowledge has also been incorporated in order to
portray ground reality situation. Numbers obtained
were graphically represented by using Microsoft
Word Excel 2007.
Results
Reported aquaculture production in Pakistan, 1950 –
2013, was totaled as 1745.721 X 103 Mg (megagram).
The average computed production during this period
1873
remained 27.277 X 103 Mg. Obtained figures show
that this agricultural sector has started to boom in
Pakistan. There exists a wide difference between the
production quantity during pre and post 2000 period.
For example, pre 2000 showed an average production
of 5.627 X 103 Mg whereas during post 2000 period
the calculated value of average production is 104.595
X 103 Mg. Thus, the aquaculture production has
increased manifolds during the 21st century and has
started to contribute substantially in the economy of
Pakistan (Fig. 1A). Available figures regarding the
economic contribution of this sector speak off that
this sector is gradually increasing its contribution in
terms of money generation. This sector produced
fishery products of 77.886 X 103 USD year-1 (United
States Dollar) on average from 1984 to 2013, while
total contribution during this period remained
2336.584 X 103 USD. Obviously, the economic
contribution is much more higher during the post
2000 period as compared to pre 2000 period i.e.
165.325 X 106 USD year-1 and 11.121 X 106 USD
year-1 respectively (Fig. 1B). In 1950, aquaculture
contributed only 0.029 % in total fish production
(TFP) in Pakistan and in 2013 the contribution has
enormously increased to 7.353 %. The main
development in aquaculture sector has taken place
during the post 2000 period. The average %
contribution of aquaculture during pre and post 2000
period was calculated as 0.283 % year-1 and 5.209 %
year-1 in that order (Fig. 1C).
Fig. 1— Time series data representing aquaculture production
quantity in Pakistan (A), aquaculture production value (B), and %
contribution of aquaculture production in total fish production (C)
Source: FAO FishStatJ
1874 MOHSIN et al.: AQUACULTURE IN PAKISTAN: STATUS, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLANGES

The aggregate and average cyprinid nei aquaculture 2003 – 2013, is 200.286 X 103 Mg (304.792 X 106
production in Pakistan, 1950 – 2013, was computed USD) and 33.381 X 103 Mg year-1 (50.798 X 106
as 444.88 X 103 Mg and 13.688 X 103 Mg year-1. Pre USD) (Fig. 8A,B). Oreochromis niloticus is gaining
2000 period showed gradual increase in production popularity for its aquaculture in Pakistan. In 2009 its
however a single large peak in graph can be observed aquaculture production quantity and production value
at 2001 and 2002 representing maximum production was 0.1 X 103 Mg (0.159 X 106 USD) which
contribution. Strikingly, after 2002 the production increased gradually and in 2013 it reached up to 0.225
contribution has decreased very much (Fig. 2A). X 103 Mg (0.339 X 106 USD) (Fig. 9A,B).
Obtained economic data on cyprinids nei production
value, 1984 – 2013, corresponds to the production
graph. Cyprinids nei total and average production
value during this period was 350.717 USD X 106 and
22.626 USD X 106 year-1 respectively (Fig. 2B).
Miscellaneous freshwater fishes also have some
contribution in aquaculture production in Pakistan.
This category has contributed in total 25.716 X 103
Mg during the period from 2003 to 2013. The average
production of this category during this period
remained 4.286 Mg X 103 year-1 (Fig. 3A). The total
and average production value of miscellaneous Fig. 2— Graphical representation of cyprinids nei aquaculture
freshwater fishes remained 38.928 USD X 106 and production quantity (A) and their production value (B) in Pakistan
6.488 USD X 106 correspondingly (Fig. 3B). Source: FAO FishStatJ
In Pakistan, three major carp species viz.
Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cirrihinus mrigala and
Hypophthalmichthys molitrix are usually preferred for
aquaculture. The economic and production
contribution of carp species is almost equal. Reported
data about their production and economic contribution
is from 2003 to 2013. Their production plotted graphs
indicate that their production has substantially
increased after 2006. The total and average
production (in parenthesis) of these carp species i.e.
C. idella, C. mrigala and H. molitrix during the
reported period was 224.669 Mg X 103 (20.424 Mg X Fig. 3— Graphical representation of miscellaneous freshwater fish
103 year-1), 226.062 Mg X 103 (20.551 Mg X 103 year- aquaculture production quantity (A) and their production value
1
) and 224.669 Mg X 103 (20.424 Mg X 103 year-1) in (B) in Pakistan
that order. The total and average production value (in Source: FAO FishStatJ
parenthesis) of C. idella, C. mrigala and H. molitrix
carp species remained 339.4 USD X 106 (56.566 USD
X 106 year-1), 342.907 USD X 106 (57.151 USD X 106
year-1) and 339.4 USD X 106 (56.566 USD X 106
year-1) in that order (Fig. 4A,B, 5A,B and 6A,B).
According to the collected data Labeo rohita is the
most aquacultured species in Pakistan. From 2003 to
2013, 398.289 X 103 Mg of L. rohita were aqua
cultured in Pakistan. The average production of this
aquatic creature during this period remained 36.208
Mg X 103 year-1. The total and average production
value of this fish, L. rohita, was 618.397 X 106 USD
Fig. 4— Graphical representation of Ctenopharyngodon idella
and 103.066 X 106 USD year-1 (Fig. 7A,B). Catla aquaculture production quantity (A) and its production value (B)
catla is also a major fish produced through in Pakistan
aquaculture. The total and average production Source: FAO FishStatJ
contribution of this fish along with economic value,
 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 46, NO. 09, SEPTEMBER 2017
Fig. 5— Graphical representation of Cirrihinus mrigala
aquaculture production quantity (A) and its production value (B)
in Pakistan
Source: FAO FishStatJ
Fig. 6— Graphical representation of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
aquaculture production quantity (A) and its production value (B)
in Pakistan
Source: FAO FishStatJ
Fig. 7— Graphical representation of Labeo rohita aquaculture
production quantity (A) and its production value (B) in Pakistan
Source: FAO FishStatJ
Aquaculture as a profitable business is very good
option for business seeking persons. Economics of
one acre fish farm are given in Table 1. It is very clear
that with low investment good income can be
generated even though with one acre fish farm i.e
about 1075 USD or 112000 Pak rupees.
1875
The commercial fish farm, 8 – 10 acres, shall bring
even higher profit margin.
Fig. 8— Graphical representation of Catla catla aquaculture
production quantity (A) and its production value (B) in Pakistan
Source: FAO FishStatJ
Fig. 9— Graphical representation of Oreochromis niloticus
aquaculture production quantity (A) and its production value (B)
in Pakistan
Source: FAO FishStatJ
Discussion
In Pakistan, fisheries sector contributes about 1% in
GDP and about 1% of the labour force is associated
with this agricultural sector. Like marine, inland
resources have immense potential for aquaculture
development. Pakistan’s irrigation system is amongst
the world’s largest irrigation systems which covers
more than 63000 km, more than 8 million hectares,
having extensive network of canals, lakes, ponds,
marshes and dams etc. This wealth of natural
resources can be utilized for aquaculture
development19. Aquaculture is promoted and
monitored by provincial authorities. However, at
federal level this sector is monitored by the Ministry
of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MinFAL)15.
Overall, a decreasing trend in fisheries production has
been observed since 1998.
1876 MOHSIN et al.: AQUACULTURE IN PAKISTAN: STATUS, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLANGES
Table 1— Economics of one acre fish farm in Pakistan
A. Capital Cost
Excavation/compaction of pond embankments
In and outlet water flow channels
Miscellaneous
Total "A"
B. Recurring Expenses
Initial filling and subsequent replenishment of water
Cost of fish seed
Manure/Fertilizer
Supplementary feed
Fodder for grass carp
O & M and other chargers
Total "B"
Gross income (1300 kg fish @ Rs. 200/- per kg)
Net income (Gross income -Recurring expenses)
A. Capital Cost
Note: The installation of a tubewell and employment of full time personnel for one acre farm is not economical however for a commercial
farm of 8–10 acres it is viable.
Source: Department of Fisheries, Punjab, Paksitan.
The main reason for this declining trend is poorly
managed marine fisheries captures. The fisheries
production contribution from inland is increasing with
the passage of time. The inland aquaculture is
booming at a greater pace. But still very few available
resources are employed for aquaculture20. This can be
envisaged by a surprising fact that only 1% of the
available water resources are utilized for aquaculture.
Extensive water logged land due to irrigation system
in Pakistan is present. Unfortunately, there exists no
serious attempt to convert these water logged areas
into fish ponds19-21. Further the situation gets even
more worse due to the wrong reporting of the data.
The data in most of the cases is either missing or its
reliability stands in question. There exist hundreds of
fish farms which are without official record and
manpower working on these farms and their
productivity is not truly recognized. In most of the
cases just estimates are made and very often these
estimates go terribly wrong. For example, in
Shikarpur huge difference of 500% was found
between the recorded data and survey data.
World fisheries is facing decreasing trend in
capture production. According to FAO22, 12 statistical
regions out of 16 are either fully fished or overfished.
Due to this overexploitation fishery resources are
under stress globally21. The same situation is also
Rs. 60000 Rs. 80000
Rs. 30000 Rs. 30000
Rs. 10000 Rs. 10000
Rs. 60000
Rs. 6000
Rs. 35000
Rs. 8000
Rs. 24000
Rs. 148000
Rs. 260000
Rs. 112000 or USD 1075
prevailing in Pakistani marine waters as many studies
conclude overfishing in its marine waters. Thus,
aquaculture is the best option left to increase fish
production to meet the demands of food and to earn
revenue. It is no wonder that many countries in our
surroundings are producing fish at a higher rate than
Pakistan. Even in Bangladesh where the fish fauna
and the geological features are almost same, like in
Pakistan, is producing higher fish quantity through
aquaculture than Pakistan. It has been estimated that
in Bangladesh the fish production is about 8 times
higher than in Pakistan and 53% of this production
comes from aquaculture. One justified reason for
aquaculture development in Bangladesh is that 54%
of the investments are made on aquaculture23.
Although aquaculture has started to grow in the 21st
century in Pakistan due to public and private sector
efforts yet a lot remain to be done for its further
improvement.
Thus, proper policy making with good
implementation is the need of the hour for which
global trends must be taken into consideration. Such
as world statistics show that more than 60% of
aquaculture production comes from the inland areas.
In Pakistan plenty of water logged land is available
which can be used or aquaculture after modification.
It is proven fact that aquaculture can boost national
 INDIAN J. MAR. SCI., VOL. 46, NO. 09, SEPTEMBER 2017
economy by bringing a lot of revenue and has a
potential to bring millions of USD annually24. It has
been found that one acre fish farm can bring 1075
USD per cycle. However, in bigger commercial farm
size of 10 acres the profit can even be higher than
this. In 2006, Pakistani government set few goals to
boost fisheries sector. The target was to enhance the
contribution of fisheries sector including aquaculture
in economic development, poverty elimination and
food security. No doubt this strategy has worked and
promoted aquaculture sector but unfortunately capture
fisheries is still in unstable condition. Many current
studies on maximum sustainable yield production of
commercially important species report that Pakistani
marine waters are yet under an open access regime
and facing overfishing. For aquaculture development
several projects are running and defiantly the increase
in fisheries production due to aquaculture
advancement is a result of these public and private
sector efforts but the growth rate must be increased
even more to meet the demands.
In most of the cases fisheries data reporting is
doubtful14. It is estimated that there may be about
40% fish farms which are not on record21. This
situation demands serious attention of the public and
private sector. For policy making and their
implementation reliable data is essentially needed.
Attention must also be given towards the development
of coastal aquaculture which is almost absent in
Pakistan. Culture of valuable aquatic species, shrimps,
crabs etc., will not only make coastal community
economically viable but also help to promote export
of these highly demanded products. It is impossible to
make progress with the proper training of fishermen
by organizing workshops and seminars. The
promotion should be done like we do for other
businesses. Hatcheries must be constructed at various
places near the potential aquaculture farms to provide
quality seed and trained staff must help and guide
fishermen. Research institutions are further
encouraged to carry out research that may fulfill the
practical demands of the sector which such as feed
and growth, toxicology, even genetically modified
strains etc.
Conclusion
Although, aquaculture sector in Pakistan is improving
with the passage of time yet the growth rate is low.
There are diverse aquatic resources which are present
in Pakistan but the fisheries production is handy. In
addition to this, mariculture is also in infancy. As
1877
aquaculture sector contributes in agriculture GDP,
therefore, concrete steps are needed to further
enhance its contribution through increased fisheries
production.
Acknowledgement
This study was funded by China Agriculture Rsearch
System (CARS-48) and special research fund of
Ocean University of China (201022001).
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