Gharo, Pakistan – The Giant Freshwater Prawn Farmers’ Day & Technical Roadshow, titled “Unlocking Pakistan’s Aquaculture Export Potential through High-Value Species,” was successfully organized at Pak Gharo Agri & Livestock Farms (PGA&LF), Gharo, in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), under the initiative and leadership of Director General Mr. Athar Khokhar.
The event marked a historic milestone for Pakistan’s aquaculture sector with the introduction of PakRos – Pakistan’s first All-Male Giant Freshwater Prawn (Scampi) hatchery. This pioneering initiative introduces advanced all-male production technology, ensuring faster growth rates, better size uniformity, and higher yields—significantly improving farm profitability and export competitiveness.
Pakistan’s current fisheries exports stand at approximately USD 450 million annually. Speakers at the event emphasized that with structured development, technology adoption, and value-chain integration, Giant Freshwater Prawn production alone has the potential to contribute an additional USD 1 billion in export revenue, substantially strengthening the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
Mr. Arshad Aziz, CEO, PGA&LF, welcomed distinguished guests and highlighted the strategic importance of diversifying into high-value aquaculture species such as Giant Freshwater Prawn, commonly known as Scampi. He underscored that innovation-driven aquaculture, supported by strong institutional partnerships, can transform rural livelihoods and position Pakistan as a competitive global supplier.
The session was skillfully conducted by Mr. R.S.N. Janjua, Director Aquaculture, SoyPak, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. A detailed technical presentation was delivered by Mr. Giva Kuppusamy, who shared international perspectives on all-male prawn production technology, commercial viability, and best management practices.
The event was attended by prominent officials and stakeholders including Lt. Col. (R) Shahnawaz Kiyani, Director Operations, GCLI/SIFC; Mr. Mudassar, Senior Director, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP); Dr. Mansoor Ali Wassan, Director General, Marine Fisheries Department, Federal Ministry of Maritime Affairs; Dr. Mubarak Ahmed, Senior Consultant (Agri Foods), TDAP; Dr. Asim Karim, Director General, Marine Fisheries & Coastal Development, Sindh Fisheries Department; Mr. Mian Saeed, Senior Vice Chairman, Pakistan Fisheries Exporters Association; Dr. Samina Kidwai (Ex-DG, NIO), Bavaria University; Dr. M. Wasim Khan (Ex-DG, MFD); Mr. Asif Rasheed, Technical Director, PakRos; and Dr. Ali Mastoi, Additional Secretary (Technical), Sindh Fisheries Department.
Leading fisheries processors and exporters including Mr. Feroz Ali Gaba, Mr. Asim Abrar, Mr. Tahir Dada, Mr. Muslim Mohamedi, and Mr. Bilal Awan also participated, reflecting strong private-sector interest in expanding export-oriented aquaculture.
Participants were given a guided tour of the under-construction site of Pakistan’s first Giant Freshwater Prawn hatchery (PakRos), where they observed infrastructure development and received technical briefings on hatchery design, seed production capacity, and operational planning.
Farmers demonstrated keen interest in this new freshwater species, widely known as Scampi, engaging actively in discussions and asking detailed questions regarding feasibility, production cycles, input requirements, and profitability. The interactive exchange reflected strong enthusiasm among growers to adopt this high-value species.
The event reinforced the importance of public-private collaboration, financial facilitation, technology transfer, and export market linkage in scaling up Giant Freshwater Prawn farming across Pakistan.
With the launch of PakRos and the collective commitment of government institutions, financial partners, exporters, academia, and farmers, Pakistan stands poised to significantly enhance its aquaculture output—building on the existing USD 450 million export base and unlocking the potential for an additional USD 1 billion through Giant Freshwater Prawn production.
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