Shrimp farming has become a lucrative business for farmers in Punjab's Malwa region, particularly in the Muktsar district. Over the past year, the area under shrimp farming in Muktsar has doubled from 280 acres to 600 acres, making it the leading district for shrimp farming in the state.
The region's water logging problem, which had previously made the land infertile, has now become a source of income for the farmers through shrimp farming. Shrimp farming requires saline water with a salinity level above 5 parts per thousand (PPT) for optimal growth.
The salinity level in the district is well above this requirement, making it an ideal location for shrimp farming. The cost of setting up a 1 hectare (2.5 acre) pond is around 14 lakh rupees, which includes expenses such as digging a pond, purchasing seed, feed, and equipment.
The government is providing subsidies for shrimp farming through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with 40% for the general category and 60% for SC/ST and women, which can help reduce the start-up costs for farmers.
Farmers Earning Profit of Rs. 4-5 lakh per acre
The average price of shrimp is 400 rupees per kg and farmers can make a profit of 4-5 lakh rupees per acre per year. Shrimp is ready for harvest in around 120 days, and the season usually begins in September and lasts till November-end. Traders from coastal states come to buy shrimp from Muktsar, which is then transported in air-conditioned vans.
The success of shrimp farming has made a significant impact on the lives of the farmers in Muktsar district. It has provided them with a source of income from their previously infertile land, and the government's subsidies have made it easier for them to get started.
Despite an increase in input costs, the Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries expects the area under shrimp farming to increase by 150 acres, as he reports a total of 2,200 acres under aquaculture in the district, including 600 acres under shrimp farming.
The district's waterlogging problem, which was once a hindrance, has now become a source of income through shrimp farming. The success of shrimp farming has had a significant impact on the lives of the farmers, providing them with a source of income and the government's subsidies have made it easier for them to get started. With the expected increase in the area under shrimp farming, the future looks bright for the farmers of Muktsar district.
