Bio-saline agriculture in Thar

Last year Thar Foundation planted Apple Ber over ten acres in Block – 2 of Islamkot, Tharparkar.
The experiment was part of Bio-saline agriculture by using underground water of the third aquifer at a depth of approx 200 meters.
These Bers were provided water of 3500 ppm TDS. Technical support was received from the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC). A number of 120 trees were planted per acre. Within one year, these plants have started yielding fruit. Every tree has yielded an average of 5-7 kilograms of Bers. The current market price of Apple Ber is approximately Rs2200 per maund. Hence 120 trees on an acre can earn around Rs. 35000 to 40000 in first harvest only. The experiment demonstrated the tremendous economic potential of bio-saline orchards in Tharparkar.