ISLAMABAD, March 29 (ABC): A Rs1.28 billion project has been proposed to strengthen livestock, horticulture, and ecosystem management in the Thar desert region. The plan focuses on research, technology transfer, and community capacity building.
The project, titled Thar Community Actions for the Management of Sustainable Ecosystem, Livestock, Land and Livelihood (THAR CAMELL), is outlined in official documents available with Wealth Pakistan.
The five-year initiative will run from July 2026 to June 2031. The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) will implement it through the PARC-Arid Zone Research Institute in Umerkot. The project will cover Umerkot district and 30 union councils of Tharparkar in Sindh.
Focus on livestock and agriculture
The project aims to promote agricultural innovation and improve livestock genetics. It will also strengthen disease control systems and support sustainable natural resource management.
In addition, the initiative will transfer modern technologies to farming communities. These include diagnostics, genotyping, and Radio Frequency Identification systems under the E-Pakistan framework.
The project also plans to boost value addition for exports. It includes setting up a dehydration plant and promoting dried vegetables and ber exports.
Support for local communities
The initiative will target poor Thari communities to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods. It will train more than 2,000 farmers to enhance skills and productivity.
Moreover, the project will build local capacity for sustainable ecosystem management. This approach aims to create long-term economic benefits in the region.
Environmental and research interventions
Environmental measures include afforestation, arid horticulture, and rainwater recharge through TARAI. These steps will help improve climate resilience in desert ecosystems.
The project will also establish livestock and horticulture research facilities at PARC-AZRI Umerkot. These centres will focus on improving productivity, strengthening disease diagnostics, and promoting indigenous breeds.
In addition, demonstration sites will be developed to support arid horticulture practices.
Infrastructure and productivity gains
According to the document, the project will convert 180 acres of wasteland into productive land. It will also develop infrastructure for research and demonstration activities.
Research will cover livestock, rangeland, water management, and arid horticulture. The project will provide machinery and field equipment to support these activities.
Furthermore, it will promote silage making and set up facilities for soil, water, and plant analysis. It will also establish livestock service units, insemination centres, and biotechnology labs.
These services will support researchers, extension workers, NGOs, and local farmers. They are expected to improve fertilizer use and increase crop productivity by 30–35%.
Alignment with national priorities
The project aligns with key national and international frameworks. These include the 5Es Framework, the 13th Five-Year Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Programme.