The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is considering launching a pilot project for shrimp farming in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Lakki Marwat.

The Fisheries Department has proposed a small-scale commercial model for shrimp farming, under which a one-acre shrimp farm would be tested in the first phase.

According to the report, potential areas for saltwater aquaculture, or fish and shrimp farming in saline water, have been identified in the southern districts. Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Lakki Marwat are considered to have potential for the project.

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Under the pilot project, an estimated 1.2 tonnes of shrimp could be produced from one acre of land.

The report says setting up a small-scale shrimp farm would require an initial investment of around Rs492,000, while annual operating costs are estimated at approximately Rs599,000.

Shrimp farming is expected to generate an estimated annual net profit of around Rs300,000 from the second year.

According to the Fisheries Department, if the pilot project produces successful results, there will be potential to expand shrimp farming on a larger scale.