PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is facing a significant gap between its annual demand for fish and local production, with around 94 percent of the province’s fish requirements being met through supplies from other provinces, according to a report by the Fisheries Department.
The report states that annual fish demand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands at 81,600 metric tonnes, while local production is only 5,022 metric tonnes.
This leaves a supply gap of 76,578 metric tonnes, forcing the province to rely heavily on fish supplies from other parts of the country.
The report estimates the annual value of fish demand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at around Rs40.8 billion, compared with approximately Rs3.2 billion worth of locally produced fish. The resulting value gap stands at about Rs37.6 billion.
Despite the substantial shortfall, local fish production has increased considerably in recent years. According to the Fisheries Department, production rose from 1,132 metric tonnes in 2018 to 5,022 metric tonnes, indicating significant growth in the sector.
The department has identified aquaculture as an area with considerable investment potential in the province. Aquaculture zones have also been identified in various areas to facilitate fish farming and encourage investment in the sector.
The report has proposed a 10-year implementation roadmap aimed at developing the aquaculture sector and increasing local fish production.
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