Animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Friday declared Rohu (Labeo Rohita) as the state fish of Punjab in order to conserve and promote the state’s aquatic biodiversity.
Making the announcement, Khudian said that Punjab’s aquatic sector was thriving, with 43,683 acres dedicated to fish farming, yielding 200,000 metric tonnes of fish annually. “Rohu was a significant contributor, accounting for 21.18% of total production and fetching ₹160-200 per kg. This prized fish can grow up to 45 kg in natural habitats, distinguished by its fusiform body and large cycloid scales,” the minister added.
Principal secretary, Fisheries, Rahul Bhandari, said that the move would enable targeted policy formulation to augment its population in water bodies and scale up aquaculture production, thereby bolstering the state’s economy. Director, fisheries, Gurpreet Singh, and other senior officials of the department were also present.