Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Present water shortages in Sindh (Pakistan) has forced farmers to think
over alternative crops; the crops which requires less water or the crops
which can be grown with use of brackish underground water (most of the
sub-soil water in Sindh is brackish). Farmers are mostly uneducated and
public sector agriculture research and extension services are almost
non-existent. I have heard many farmers asking for solution to this crises.
Many farmers have resorted to tube wells, but crops wither after some
irrigations due to high concentration of salt contents. At many places I
have seen withering wheat crop due to use of such a water. I have few of
question. If someone can provide information about them, I may be able to
convey it to local farmers.
1. Which halophytes or salt tolerant crops can be grown with commercially
feasible potential under somewhat sub-tropical conditions?
2. How low-cost "Sulphuric Acid Generators" can be made locally and is it
really helpful in turning brackish tube-well water into useable irrigation
water?
3. What other contingent measures can be taken for perennial fruit trees,
e.g. mangoes, to save them from destruction as there will be no water for
several months in the future and no rains are expected before monsoons in
the July?
I will appreciate your response, valuable comments and resource pointers in
this regards. Summary of valuable comments and recommendations will be
publicized through print media for the benefit of local farmers in Sindh.
Mir Atta Muhammad Talpur
http://geocities.com/indusfarming
mailto:[log in to unmask]
Sindh, Pakistan
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