Mumtaz Ahmed Bhatti
Islamabad, (Parliament Times) : DFO Mastung and DFO Kalat have been successful in diverting farmers’ attention from apples to pistachios. Apple orchards are abundant in Mastung and Kalat and the focus of the growers in these areas is only on apple Plantation. Apple trees require flood irrigation, while the underground water in these areas is more than a thousand feet deep and is going down day by day, which may intensify the water crisis in the future. Under Energy Cum High Value plants, DFO Mastung Syed Nadir Ali Shah and DFO Kalat Syed Ibrahim Shah are diverting attention of apple growers from apples to pistachios. It was a difficult task but with the efforts of Syed Nadir Ali Shah and Syed Ibrahim Shah, apple growers are now understanding the benefits of pistachios and are getting attracted towards pistachio plantations.Pistachio trees are well-adapted to arid and semi-arid climates, while apple trees require more water and prefer temperate climates. The difference in water usage can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil conditions, and irrigation practices, but in general, pistachio trees are considered more water-efficient.The benefits that pistachio growers can get from cultivating pistachio trees are numerous.Pistachios are a high-value crop, which can lead to substantial profits for growers.
Pistachio trees have a long lifespan and can remain productive for several decades with proper care, making them a valuable long-term investment for growers. As mentioned earlier, pistachio trees are adapted to dry conditions, making them suitable for regions with limited water resources or facing water scarcity.Due to their lower water requirements compared to other trees like apples, pistachio growers can save on irrigation costs.Pistachio orchards can act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Pistachios are a nutritious crop, rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.The demand for pistachios has been steadily increasing worldwide, creating market opportunities for growers.Species in nurseries of Mastung and Kalat
Pistacio, shina, anar, Quetta pine, Asmani, Bakain, Irani Gull, Morphanki, Sinjid, toot, Masquite, Ghaz etc. Millions of plants are available in these nurseries. Cluster plantation through dry technique has been done on two hundred acres in Mastung Forest Division. A cluster / block plantation has been completed on 25 acres in Kalat Forest Division. The survival rate of this plantation is excellent and beyond expectations. DFO Kalat Syed Ibrahim Shah also convinced the famous politician Rubina Irfan for the plantation of Pistachio and she has also planted Pistachio on two acres. The efforts of both DFOs are commendable. There are many hurdles regarding plantation in Mastung and Kalat such as non-favourable weather, soil behavior, lack of water, lack of rains, lack of resources and illiterate people. Despite all these difficulties, both the DFOs are performing excellently.
