Media Update: United Nations Pakistan, 17 July 2026

FAO

PRESS RELEASE

FAO, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fisheries Development Board Launch Technical Report to Advance Sustainable Aquaculture

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (17 July 2026) - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Fisheries Development Board (FDB), today launched the Technical Report on Mapping High-Potential Aquaculture Zones and Cluster-Based Commercialization Strategy for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, providing a roadmap to guide sustainable aquaculture development, investment and commercialization across the province.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possesses abundant freshwater resources suitable for aquaculture but has until now lacked comprehensive spatial mapping and an integrated commercialization strategy to guide sustainable sector growth.

Developed under FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), the report identifies high-potential zones for cold-water (trout), semi-cold and warm-water aquaculture, while introducing a cluster-based commercialization strategy to promote sustainable production, improve livelihoods, strengthen food security and stimulate public and private investment in the fisheries sector.

The aquaculture sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa currently produces approximately 5,022 metric tons of fish annually, with an estimated farm-gate value of PKR 3.21 billion. However, provincial demand is projected to reach nearly 100,000 metric tons by 2030, highlighting the need for strategic investment and commercialization. The report provides a practical roadmap to help bridge this gap while unlocking opportunities for expanding high-value aquaculture, including trout production.

The launch, held in Peshawar, brought together senior government officials, development partners, technical experts, academia, private sector representatives and fish farmers to discuss the report's findings and the way forward for sustainable aquaculture development in the province.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Mr. Zarif Ul Maani, Secretary, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasized the importance of the report 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."

James Robert Okoth, Officer In-Charge, FAO Pakistan, reaffirmed FAO's commitment to supporting 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."

Presenting the technical report and commercialization strategy, Muhammad Junaid Wattoo, Chief Executive Officer, Fisheries Development Board and Team Leader of the project, highlighted its significance for future sector development. "The mapping of high-potential aquaculture zones and the commercialization strategy provide a strong foundation 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."

Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal, FAO Project Manager, presented an overview of the project, highlighting the extensive GIS-based mapping, field surveys and stakeholder consultations undertaken across the province. The event also marked the launch of the project website, providing stakeholders with access to the technical report and other project outputs.

The report is expected to guide future public and private investment, strengthen informed decision-making, and support the sustainable expansion of aquaculture across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-helping improve livelihoods, enhance food security and unlock new economic opportunities for communities across the province.

Media Contact

Affsheen Yousaf
Communications Specialist, FAO Pakistan

[email protected]
+92 321 8586555