PU to establish model aquaponics site to promote fisheries sector

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2026) Punjab University (PU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali has said that the university will establish a model aquaponics site to promote sustainable fisheries, create new employment opportunities in the sector, and support the economic improvement of fish farmers.

He was addressing a one-day workshop on aquaponics organized by the Institute of Zoology at Punjab University on Tuesday, where experts, academics, and representatives from government institutions and industry were also present.

The Vice Chancellor said the initiative would provide agriculture graduates with opportunities in entrepreneurship and advisory roles, adding that aquaponics plays a vital role in fish breeding and in accelerating growth in fish size and weight.

He noted that Pakistan currently lacks a controlled agriculture system, while neighbouring countries are benefiting economically from such modern techniques.

He stressed the need to shift from traditional flood irrigation methods towards sustainable and technology-based agriculture systems.

Dr. Muhammad Ali also pointed out concerns regarding water scarcity, warning that it could lead to population shifts from cities to rural areas, and emphasized the importance of measures to improve groundwater levels. He thanked the Pakistan academy of Sciences for funding the workshop.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Waheed Akhtar said that Punjab University would play a key role in providing training and promoting aquaponics on a commercial scale. Dean Faculty of Life Sciences Prof. Dr. Anjum Nasim Sabri and Director Zoology Prof. Dr. Nabila Roohi also delivered detailed lectures to train participants on various aspects of aquaponics.