[🇵🇰] Pakistani Fruits & Vegetables

[ghazi]

Source : ..

Fresh from Farm, Cauliflower

 

[ghazi]

Apricot:
Temperate Gold Of Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan Region

Agha Muhammad Ajmal

The Gilgit-Baltistan region (formerly Northern Areas) of Pakistan, defined in general terms, cover the districts of Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Ghanche and Skardu. The Nature has endowed the region with high peaks and large glaciers concentrated in a relatively small radius. Each district can boast of at least one lofty peak. K-2 with a height of 8,611 meters (28,416 feet) lies majestically in Skardu district overlooking the Chinese territory. Nanga Parbat with a height of 8,138 meters (26,855 feet) is located in Diamer whereas the 7,788-meter (25,700-foot) high Rakaposhi is situated in Gilgit. Some 28 peaks of the area are over 20,000 feet high.

Whereas Diamer does not have any glacier worth mentioning, Gilgit, Skardu and Ghanche offer some formidable glaciers, like Biafo, Baltoro and Siachin, which is 72-kilometer-long and the largest in the world outside the poles. Geopolitically, it is the most sensitive area of Pakistan. It touches Xinjiang in the north and Afghanistan in the northwest with Tajikistan close behind. On the southern side there is a stretch of over 300-mile-long ceasefire line with Indian-held Kashmir and Ladakh. With the opening of the Karakoram Highway, the region has acquired additional strategic and political importance. The area is spread over 72,496 square kilometers, approximately the size of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with a present population of nearly 800,000 and a low density of eight persons per square kilometer, living in some 650 small villages.

There are eight ethnic groups: Baltis, Yashkuns, Mughal, Kashmiries, Pathans, Ladakhis and Turks, speaking eight different languages namely Shina, Balti, Brushiski, Khwar, Wakhi, Urdu, Pashto, and Persian. The four major religious sects are Sunnis, Shias, Ismailies and Noorbukshies. Sunnis are mostly in Diamer and Gilgit districts. The majority of Shias are in Skardu and Ghanche districts. The Ismailies are mostly in Ghizer district and in Hunza subdivision of Gilgit district.

Livelihood in northern mountains of Pakistan is largely subsistence oriented. Hence household level agriculture i.e. small scale crop cultivation to produce cereals mainly wheat, fodder crops for livestock, orchards, etc, and animal production remains the biggest support to household economy. Fifty percent of the respondents depend on only household agriculture (HHA). Second largest category of them (42 percent) support livelihood employment along with HHA, although off-farm employment opportunities in Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) belt of Pakistan is quite limited. Family members do seek employment in the plains of Pakistan. Small fraction of people (six percent) is engaged in local level micro-enterprise like retail shops called business in addition to HHA. Only two percent of the people are farmers as well as daily-wage laborers.

In Gilgit-Baltistan region, apricots along with other deciduous fruits are primarily produced as cash crop where majority of families grow apricot. Average household has 28 trees of which nine are bearing fruit and producing 750 kilograms of apricot per annum (GOP, 1989). The practice of planting seeds from the best trees over an extended period of time has resulted in an incredible amount of variation.

Many years ago, the farmers did learn to graft, hence in each village in addition to seedling trees, one would now find many favorite local cultivars. Distribution of favorite cultivars remained uneven because some existed in only one village and others were widely distributed but primarily within the confines of each former kingdom. In several villages survey showed 180 different cultivars as a sample of variation that existed in the region. It reported 31 local cultivars in Ghanche district. Overall, good quality apricots are characterized as very high in soluble solids and sweet kernels with relatively small size. Fruit size was not important selection criterion.

Apricots are by far the single largest livelihood source with immediate commercial potential for a significant proportion of population in Gilgit-Baltistan although farmers have yet to realize its full potential. Forty (40) percent of the rural households would annually earn Rs5,000-6,000 from apricot and its byproduct in Gilgit-Baltistan. A farmer would often have as few as two or three trees of the same cultivar mixed with others. Therefore, grading becomes the main problem.

 

[ghazi]

In Hunza, one of the larger fruited cultivar has outstanding quality for both fresh as well as dry use, with high soluble solids, pronounced aroma, and rich flavor. ‘Alishah Kakas’ is another favorite in Hunza because of its exceptionally high soluble solids, fine quality and firm texture making it suitable for shipping fresh and excellent for drying.

In Baltistan, ‘Margulam’ is prized as a fresh fruit for its juiciness, sweetness and fine flavor, whereas ‘Halmon’ is the best for drying due to its high soluble solids and rapid drying characteristic. ‘Kachachuli’ is unique too, although the fruit has relatively high soluble solids, the flesh reaches a moderate degree of firmness and did not soften further with age, hence its local name actually said, ‘apricot that doesn’t ripen’. ‘Kachachuli’ is grown mainly for its large edible seed. A local storage cultivar is said to hold its quality until March once stored underground as per indigenous practices.

Farmers own a variety of fruit plants including apricot, apples, almond, pear, cherry, walnut, etc. Fruits have mainly been produced to meet annual family needs for dry fruit, particularly during severe winter. Among all respondents in the abovementioned survey, 86 percent ranked apricot as their most preferred fruit tree because apricot would meet most of their subsistence needs.

Dried apricot and kernels are main dry fruits for winter. Most fuel wood is obtained from apricot trees. Oil from kernels is obtained for various domestic uses. Cracked kernel shells are also used as fuel. The second preferred fruit plant is apple (10 percent).

There is considerable scope to introduce new cultivars with extended shelf life and successive ripening sequence over the season to extend the apricot marketing down to big commercial centers of plains. It is reported that about 60 apricot varieties in Gilgit-Baltistan, whereas Halman, Karfochuli, Marghulam and Sharakarfa are the prime.

Most apricot cultivars blossom in early March. The blossoming time is about a fortnight and may be prolonged or shortened by the presence or absence of cold spell. Considerable variation is also shown by different cultivars in their blossoming habits. The incidence of frost during March is common and considerable damage to apricot crop is annually experienced.

 

[ghazi]

Some fruits grown in Pakistan are: Orange, Mango, Apple, Apricot, Banana, Cherry, Dates, Guava, Peach, Lemon, Litchi, Papaya, Olive, mulbery, Plums, Pear, Pomegranate, Strawberry, Sweet lime, and a lot of dry fruits including Almonds, Pistachios and Walnuts.


Orange ( مالٹا )

Pakistan is the sixth largest producer of Kinow (mandarin) and oranges in the world, with 2.1 million tons. Pakistan world mandarin and oranges market share during the year 1997 was 0.9 percent and 3.6 percent in terms of value and volume respectively.

Pakistan is also the largest producer of ‘Citrus Reticula’ variety (Kinow), this unique variety of citrus is indigenous to this part of the world. According to an estimate approx. 95 percent of the total Kinow produced all over the world is grown in Pakistan.

The soil and climatic conditions in Pakistan have given the Kinnow a unique flavor which distinguishes it from other comparable mandarins grown in the world. An ideal condition for growing kinnow includes abundance of water, rich nitrogen content in the soil and relatively cool weather. Winter in the plains of Punjab province provides an excellent atmosphere for this fruit and the resulting fruit is sweet and has a very distinct taste.



Mango ( آم )

Pakistan produces over 150 varieties of mango. Mango is the fruit par excellence of Subcontinent. Pakistan is an important mango growing country in the world. The soil and climatic conditions of Pakistan are highly suitable for mango cultivation. According to FAO production year book of 2001, Pakistan stands FIFTH among mango growing countries of the World.

Mango enjoys second position after citrus in Pakistan. It is grown in the province of Punjab over an area of 48413 hectares out of 94121 hectares in the country (MINFAL 99- 2000). Most of the remaining acreage is planted in Sindh. At present, (1999-2000) the total annual production of fruits in Pakistan is 58,46,342 tons. Even if all of this production reaches to the consumers, per head per day availability of fruit is meagre 114 grams. Fresh and processed fruits and vegetables export make up less than 1 percent of Pakistan’s total export. That is a matter of concern when the need for diversification of export is badly felt.

The mango from Pakistan is well known for its taste and quality abroad. More than 53,000 tons of mango is exported to neighbouring and European countries, i.e. Afghanistan, Bahrain, Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, France, Malayasia and Singapore etc. fetching foreign exchange. Langra, Dusehri, Samar Behisht, Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol are important varieties grown in Punjab. Sindhri, Bagan Pali, Suwarneka, Neelum and Gulab Khas are leading ones from Sindh.

 

[ghazi]

Watermelon ( تربوز )
It’s an all time favorite fruit for most Pakistanis especially because of its sweet and refreshing quality to combat the deadly heat. And the feeling one gets if given the middle part, without the seeds, is quite invigorating.

Falsay (Grewia) ( فالسہ )
Native to Southern Asia, it’s famously used as a chilled summer drink, or eaten with sprinkled black salt. Oh, the sweet and sour taste of this fruit is heavenly!
It is a shrub or small tree growing to 8 m tall. The leaves are broadly rounded, 5–18 cm long and broad, with a petiole 1–1.5 cm long. The flowers are venkanna in cymes of several together, the individual flowers about 2 cm diameter, yellow, with five large (12 mm) sepals and five smaller (4–5 mm) petals. The fruit is an edible drupe 5–12 mm diameter, purple to black when ripe.

Peaches ( آڑو )
Peaches and apricots are cousins, they say. It is a traditional crop of Northern area of Pakistan, and has a distinct aroma. Due to its delicious flavor and high demand, farmers have also aimed at foreign markets for export.

 

[ghazi]

Apricots ( خوبانی )

These beautifully orange colored fruits with their velvety skin are full of beta-carotene and fiber. They’re also a cash crop for many households in Gilgit-Baltistan region where the apricots are extremely sweet and tasty.

Plums (آلو بخارہ)

Pakistani plums known as aloo bukhara in Urdu, are extremely juicy, and tasty. Even the ones without the juice, end up leaving a sweet and sour taste. Their chutneys are so tangy, and have great medical benefits.

Jamun (Jambolan or syzygium) ( جامن )

Native to the Subcontinent, Jamun, when sprinkled and shaken up in black salt are so delectable that they’re hard to put down until the whole bowl is finished. The fruit has a combination of sweet, mildly sour and astringent flavour and tends to colour the tongue purple. The seed is also used in various alternative healing systems like Ayurveda (to control diabetes, Unani and Chinese medicine for digestive ailments.
The pulp of the fruit, extracts from the bark and seeds is of great benefit when it comes to lowering of blood glucose level. Taking dried extract of the seeds orally, greatly reduces the blood sugar and glucosuria.
The leaves and bark are used for controlling blood pressure and gingivitis. Wine and vinegar are also made from the fruit. It has a high source in vitamin A and vitamin C.

Lychee ( لیچی )

Pakistani Lychee industry has immense potential and prospects because of its thick, juicy pulp and amazing taste. Mostly it is grown in Southern Punjab during the peak hot dry weather. It is also hard to export it because it remains best when consumed fresh.

 

[ghazi]

Ber ( بير )

One of the lesser known fruits, ber fruit, is not found in many parts of the world. Tropical countries like Africa, parts of pakistan, India, China and Australia are the only countries where it grows. This shiny little red fruit though has a whole lot of benefits to it that it has through the ages been called as ‘the fruit that removes sorrow’.

Vitamins A and C along with all the calcium that are present in the Ber fruits are responsible for their nutritional value. Along with that, Ber fruits are also known to contain 18 of the 24 essential amino acids that the body needs. This is probably why it was used in an ancient Chinese herbal medicine and still continues to be a prominent part of Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.

Here are a few of the health benefits of ber fruits:

• 1. Known for its anti-cancer properties
• 2. Aids in weight loss
• 3. Strengthens the immune system
• 4. Keeps your teeth, bones and muscle healthy
• 5. Helps keep skin healthy and young
• 6. Soothes the nervous system with its sedative properties
• 7. Helps aid digestion
• and many More

 

[ghazi]

loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) becomes available during the months of March/April in Pakistan. There is no identified cultivar of loquat available on a large scale and the majority of the orchards are seed propagated and not uniform.

Recently, research work has been initiated for identification, collection and multiplication of loquat genotypes. Cultural practices adopted in most of our loquat orchards are primitive and with few exceptions are not up to world standards.

Production and quality of loquat fruit can be increased by the identification and further multiplication of high quality genotypes, by adopting recommended cultural practices such as pruning, thinning, irrigation and plant protection, and postharvest efforts to increase shelf life.

 

[ghazi]

 

[ghazi]

 

[ghazi]

Haripur, Hazara, KPK..

 

[ghazi]

Cherry from Hunza, GB ...

 

[ghazi]

 

[ghazi]

Persimmon

Persimmons has a lot of vitamins, minerals, fiber and beneficial plant compounds. It has a sweet taste. What’s more, they may promote heart health, reduce inflammation, support healthy vision and keep the digestion controlled. Keeping the body system healthy. In Pakistan they are known as “AMLOOK” or “Japanese fruit”.although they originate from china. In India they are called “Tendu Phal”. Pakistan also produces persimmon.

They are usually available in early winters during the months of September, October and November. This is a very delicate fruit. This beautiful fruit have many advantages that includes high blood pressure control fruit , fluid retention, constipation, hiccough, and stroke. It also improves blood flow and reducing body temperature. It also increase vision. reduces inflammation and used for skin clearance fruit. It covers vitamins, fibre and potassium need of the body. Its sunnah to eat fresh and seasonal fruit in the beginning of the season. It keeps the body immune to fight for seasonal changes.

Persimmons can be eaten fresh, dried or cooked and are commonly used around the world in jellies, drinks, pies, curries and puddings. eatable persimmon is usually very soft.it can be eaten with skin or without skin, depending on personal taste. This is a loaded nutrient fruit. One persimmon daily contain 20% of the daily food portion.

Persimmon have huge list of benefits other than its only taste that is super delicious. One must try persimmon juice or shake without milk this winter it will never be forgotten.


SHANGLA: Persimmon is the popular fruit of Shangla where over 2,000 orchards exist and trees of red and tasty persimmon line the roads of the valley.

Local people say that the persimmon produced in Shangla has a unique taste and its beautiful shape and colour attract buyers. The fruit is locally known as “Soor Amlok” or red persimmon.

“There is no proper market and facility in the district to preserve and export the fruit. We can play our role in increasing foreign exchange for the country if such arrangements were made by the government,” said Amir Zeeb Khan, a farmer, while talking to this correspondent.

He said that these days the fruit was being supplied in big quantities to the markets in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi and other cities. “Score of workers can be seen in the gardens and orchards picking persimmon and earning a handsome amount of money. The fruit harvest this year is more than the previous seasons and the business is increasing with the passage of time,” Mr Khan said.

He regretted that there was no proper market to supply the fruit on time to the cities and export it. He said that 25 per cent of the persimmon fruit was wasted in the orchards. He added that the government should take steps to make sure in time supply of persimmon to the market.

Farooq, owner of several persimmon orchards at Bely Baba, said he had been supplying packed persimmon fruit to different parts of the country. He said that the persimmon business was also a source of income for the poor workers, while students also used to pick the fruit at orchards to earn pocket money.

“The government’s interest to find foreign markets for persimmon would contribute to revenue generation,” he said, adding that owing to the government’s negligence growers of persimmon had been suffering.

A local agricultural expert said that persimmon was the only fruit which did not need fertilizer and water. He said that the fruit was more useful for human health than other types of fruit.

 

[ghazi]

Ber

بیروں کا باغ—

 

[ghazi]

Jamun is one of the less known tropical fruits, but due to its high nutrient content and unique health benefits, it is a fruit that more people should be seeking out to boost their overall health.

What is Jamun?

Jamun is an evergreen fruiting tree bearing the scientific name Syzygium cumini. It is more commonly known as a black plum, but may also be called jambul, java plum or jamblang, depending on where you are in the world. This tree is native to the Indian subcontinent but has spread to other Asian nations and islands, in addition to being naturalized in the United States and some parts of South America. This tree is primarily cultivated for its fruit, which bears the same name and looks similar to a small plum or a large berry. The color changes from light green to pink to dark purple when it is fully mature.

The jamun fruit has a sweet and sour flavor and is known to be quite astringent, although this taste can vary depending on when you pick the fruit from. While it has been a part of cultural, religious, and culinary traditions in certain parts of the world for centuries, it is only recently becoming popular in the rest of the world.

Black Plum Nutrition Facts

Black plums contain a significant amount of vitamin C, iron, magnesium, B-family vitamins, and dietary fiber, as well as potassium, vitamin A and small amounts of protein. There is a moderate amount of calories, roughly 75 per cup, but there is a minimal amount of fat and no cholesterol to speak of.


Nutrition Facts
Java-plum, (jambolan), raw

Nutrient Value

Water [g] 83.13
Energy [kcal] 60
Protein [g] 0.72
Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.23
Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 15.56
Calcium, Ca [mg] 19
Iron, Fe [mg] 0.19
Magnesium, Mg [mg] 15
Phosphorus, P [mg] 17
Potassium, K [mg] 79
Sodium, Na [mg] 14
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 14.3
Thiamin [mg] 0.01
Riboflavin [mg] 0.01
Niacin [mg] 0.26
Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.04
Vitamin B-12 [µg] 0
Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 0
Vitamin A, IU [IU] 3
Fatty acids, total trans [g] 0
Cholesterol [mg] 0

Black Plum Health Benefits

Jamun is a black plum that aids in skin care and weight loss, relieves stomach pain, and boosts immunity. It can be used in salads, desserts, juices, and smoothies.

Skin Care

The Food Chemistry journal suggests that antioxidant-rich foods help treat many skin diseases. With plenty of vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidants, jamun can improve the appearance of the skin by reducing oxidative stress and lowering inflammation levels.

Protects Heart

Regular consumption of jamun fruit or juice will help with high blood pressure, as the fruit contains notable levels of potassium, which is a vasodilator and reduces your risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks.

Boosts Immune System

There is a good amount of vitamin C and other antioxidants in this fruit, which can help to stimulate the production of white blood cells and increase the strength of the immune system. Also, according to the Food Research International journal, black plums have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-viral properties that help keep you protected from many diseases.

Improves Circulation

The antioxidant enzymes in jamun extracts are critical for the production of hemoglobin, which the body needs to maintain healthy circulation and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.

Weight Loss

Being low in calories, jamun is a cherished addition to all weight loss diets. Plus it is also a source of dietary fiber so it helps to optimize digestion as well!

Prevents Cancer

Black plum has been known to have abundant antioxidants that inhibit the free radical activity in the body. This is confirmed by a study conducted in 2005. Another research published in 2011 has also confirmed that black plums have anticancer and chemopreventive properties. So it is not only good at preventing cancer but is also an aid when it comes to treating cancer!

 

[ghazi]

 

[ghazi]

Khanpur, KPK..

 

[ghazi]

Mixed

 

[ghazi]

 

[ghazi]

 

[ghazi]

Singhara | Water Nut | Winter Food​

 

[ghazi]

Five reasons why falsas are a great guilt-free snack

Falsas will cure your stomach ache, fight cancer and keep you looking young!

With the sweltering heat, summer also brings with it some truly delicious fruits — and we have to say, falsas are one of our favourites!

Juice them, sprinkle them on your salad or eat them raw, this seasonal fruit can be enjoyed in so many ways.

What's best is that falsas are actually a really nutritious snack. And we don't just mean how it's refreshing in the summer and perfect for getting rid of a heatstroke. We mean it's pretty much a super-food.

Here's why you should obsess over falsas this summer.

1) It's great for your tummy

Falsa juice works as a digestive... with added benefits! According to the Encyclopedia of World Medicinal Plants, it will not only help regulate digestion, but also serves as a great coolant and restores hydration to the body during a stomach flu. That's a double win!

According to botanical experts, stomach pain can be treated by drinking falsa juice (but we recommend you consult a doctor to avoid allergic reactions or similar):

Add 3g roasted carom seeds (ajwain) to 25-30ml falsa juice and stir and warm a bit. Drink to relieve pain.

2) It strengthens your heart

Falsas are said to relieve inflammation, which makes it a good heart tonic.
Here's a recipe, but again this is not a substitute for doctor's advice or medicine!

Add a pinch of rock salt and black pepper to 50ml falsa juice and mix well. You can also add sugar for taste.

3) It can scare away cancer

The fruit is full of antioxidants and is used to reduce cancer risk.

This makes it a great antidote for all the potentially harmful foods we consume.

4) It'll satisfy diabetics' sweet (and sour) tooth

That's right, falsa is no guilty pleasure! It is pure joy for everyone!

According to an article published by the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, falsa is a low glycemic index food, which means it can be enjoyed by diabetics and patients with cardiovascular diseases.


5) It'll keep you young

Wanna know a secret? If a food is naturally purple it's an antioxidant loaded with anthocyanins.

This chemical helps protect collagen and restores youthful skin. It's also known for purifying the blood which means falsas help in clearing out your skin, so munch away for that healthy glow!

 

[ghazi]

 

[ghazi]

FIGS: NOT FRUIT, Did You Know?

A fig is not just an ordinary fruit, in fact, it's not even a fruit.

Strictly speaking, figs are inverted flowers.

Figs don’t bloom in the same way as other fruit trees like almonds or cherries.

Figs have a very curious history.

First of all, they're technically not a fruit, but an infruity (a set of fruits).

And secondly, they need a slaughtered wasp to breed, an insect that dies inside the fig.

In a nutshell, figs are a kind of inverted flowers that bloom inside this large, dark, red-hued bud we know as figs.

Each flower produces a single nut and a single seed called an "aquarium".

The fig is made up of several branches, which give it this characteristic crunchy texture.

Therefore, when we eat one fig, we are eating hundreds of fruits.

But the most amazing thing, it’s the special pollination process that fig flowers need to reproduce.

They can’t depend on whether, the wind or the bees bring pollen as other fruits, so they need a species known as the fig wasps.

These insects transport their genetic material and allow it to reproduce.

For their part, wasps couldn’t live without figs, as they deposit their larvae inside the fruit.
This relationship is known as symbiosis or mutualism.

Currently, the vast majority of producers of this fruit no longer need the work of wasps.

Most fig varieties for human consumption are part non-genetic.

This means they always bear fruit in the absence of a pollinator.

 

[ghazi]

Lokart

 

[ghazi]

 

[Deleted due to Error (Muji Iqbal)]

Should export these agricultural goods to Middle East and China. There is a huge market for agricultural goods.

 

[Ghazi52]

THE LUSCIOUS LYCHEE​

Muhammad Sadaqat
October 13, 2024

A lychee tree in an orchard in Khanpur | Photo by the writer

Malik Fiaz, now 70, has been involved in lychee farming in the Panjkatha area of Khanpur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Haripur district for decades. It started with his father, and now his children and grandchildren are also working as pre-harvest fruit contractors.

Khanpur’s Panjkatha [Five Watercourses] is a conglomeration of over a dozen small and large countryside localities. The majority of its dwellers resettled there following displacement by the Khanpur Dam project in the 1970s. With fertile soil and abundant water, the area is known as the fruit basket of the district, with lychee among its most sought-after produce.

A recent survey, conducted by Dr Waseem Ahmed, an adjunct professor in the horticulture department at the University of Haripur (UoH), found that around 5,000 farmers across Haripur were growing lychee over roughly 1,500 hectares of land. The fruit is harvested between June and July, with an estimated yield of 15,000-20,000 metric tonnes, and an appraised yearly worth of Rs1.5-2 billion (USD 10-15 million), says Dr Ahmed.

Until a few years ago, lychee farmers in KP’s Haripur district were earning Pakistan hefty foreign exchange from export of their much sought-after fruit. But climate change and environmental deterioration have meant they are now scrambling to meet even domestic demand

It also provides employment opportunities to hundreds of unskilled and skilled workers, with Dr Ahmed telling Eos that the flowering to ripening duration of the fruit lasts between 120-150 days, with processes such as pruning, fertilisation, pest/disease management and irrigation involving 150-200 people per hectare.

 

[Ghazi52]

ORIGINS OF LYCHEE

The lychee is a native to Southeast Asia and has been a favourite fruit of the Cantonese since ancient times, according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica. China is the main producer of lychees, followed by India, with production also occurring in other countries in Southeast Asia.

According to the records of the provincial agriculture department, the Nursery Fruit Farm, locally known as Sarkari Bagh and spread over 128 kanals (one kanal is approximately 500 sq metres), was established during British rule in 1913. It included a lychee farm of around 180 trees, spread over 22 kanals.

Octogenarian Haider Khan, a retired teacher, relying on oral history, says his grandfather told him that lychee was first cultivated in Haripur during the early days of Sikh rule. “The Sarkari Bagh was established by General Hari Singh Nalwa in 1822, and its original name is Hari ka Bagh or Garden of Hari Singh Nalwa,” Khan tells Eos.

A 2008 paper, published in Acta Horticulturae, contends that lychee was first introduced in Pakistan in the 1930s by Sardar Faqir Singh from Dheradun in India, and remained an exotic plant until the 1960s, when commercial production started from few orchards located near Lahore. Owing to its good fruit quality and profitability, large scale plantations expanded to Haripur, Hazara and, later, to parts of Sindh.


The writer is a freelance journalist and human rights defender based in KP. X: @MSadqat

 

[Ghazi52]

Experts agree that farmers growing the lychee crop need to take adaptive measures, such as selecting resilient lychee varieties, adjusting planting schedules, implementing water management strategies, and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices to mitigate the effects of climate change.

This includes, according to Dr Ahmed, using known approaches to counter lychee browning. “One approach to control it involves using abscisic acid to reduce polyphenol oxides and peroxides activity, effectively controlling peel browning,” he tells Eos.

Another method includes treating lychee fruit with a melatonin solution before harvesting, followed by cleaning with acidic electrolysed water and storing the fruit in modified-atmosphere packaging with polythene film bags, resulting in reduced disease occurrence and peel browning, Dr Ahmed continues.

Dr Abdul Qayum, a climate change expert at the agronomy department of the University of Haripur recommends the development of climate-resilient lychee varieties, and the implementation of efficient irrigation systems and management practices to reduce water stress and optimise water use.

Meanwhile, the agriculture department has planted different fruit species over an area of 250 hectares in Haripur as part of a World Bank-funded project to achieve climatic resilience through horticulture. “We are also educating farmers to adopt and adapt climate-resilient agriculture practices,” says Mumtaz Khan, the department’s district director in Haripur.

Ahsan Khan, the local development practitioner, says there is a need to bring under control the hazardous industrial emissions and chemical-laden sewers from the industries in Hattar in order to protect the ecosystem, especially fruit orchards.

The writer is a freelance journalist and human rights defender based in KP. X: @MSadqat

Published in Dawn, EOS, October 13th, 2024