PESHAWAR: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Fisheries Development Board (FDB) have launched a technical report aimed at promoting sustainable aquaculture development, investment and commercialization in the province.
The report, titled “Mapping High-Potential Aquaculture Zones and Cluster-Based Commercialization Strategy for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” sets out a roadmap for identifying suitable areas for fish farming and developing commercially viable aquaculture clusters across the province.
Prepared under FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme, the report identifies high-potential zones for cold-water trout, semi-cold and warm-water aquaculture. It also proposes a cluster-based commercialization strategy to support sustainable production, improve livelihoods, enhance food security and encourage public and private investment in the fisheries sector.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has abundant freshwater resources suitable for aquaculture, but the province had so far lacked comprehensive spatial mapping and an integrated commercialization strategy to guide sustainable growth of the sector.
According to the report, the aquaculture sector in the province currently produces around 5,022 metric tons of fish annually, with an estimated farm-gate value of Rs3.21 billion. However, provincial demand is projected to reach nearly 100,000 metric tons by 2030, underlining the need for planned investment and commercialization.
The report provides practical guidance to help bridge this gap and unlock opportunities for expanding high-value aquaculture, including trout production.
The launching ceremony in Peshawar was attended by senior government officials, development partners, technical experts, representatives of academia and the private sector, and fish farmers. Participants discussed the findings of the report and the way forward for sustainable aquaculture development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Speaking as chief guest, Zarif Ul Maani, Secretary, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said the report would play an important role in strengthening the sector.
“This report provides a solid foundation to guide future planning and investment in the aquaculture sector. It will help unlock the province’s fisheries potential while contributing to food security, livelihoods and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
James Robert Okoth, Officer In-Charge, FAO Pakistan, reiterated FAO’s support for the government in developing a competitive and sustainable fisheries sector.
“This report represents an important milestone in strengthening informed planning for the aquaculture sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Through our partnership with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Fisheries Development Board, FAO is proud to support aquaculture development that enhances food security, creates livelihood opportunities and promotes inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Muhammad Junaid Wattoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Fisheries Development Board and Team Leader of the project, presented the technical report and commercialization strategy. He said the mapping of high-potential aquaculture zones and the proposed strategy offered a strong basis for future investment and planning.
“The report offers practical guidance for developing environmentally sustainable and commercially viable aquaculture clusters that can accelerate the growth of the fisheries sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.
Dr Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal, FAO Project Manager, gave an overview of the project and highlighted the GIS-based mapping, field surveys and stakeholder consultations carried out across the province.
The event also marked the launch of the project website, which will provide stakeholders access to the technical report and other project outputs.
The report is expected to support future public and private investment, strengthen evidence-based decision-making and help expand aquaculture sustainably across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while improving livelihoods, enhancing food security and opening new economic opportunities.
