By Azeem Ahmed Khan
Pakistan’s top dryland research institute is quietly changing the face of rain-fed farming. With over 60 new crop varieties and water-saving techniques under its belt, BARI Chakwal crop innovations are helping farmers survive and thrive in regions where irrigation is scarce.
BARI Chakwal Crop Innovations Driving Rain-Fed Agriculture
The Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) in Chakwal has developed crops like wheat, groundnut, oilseeds, pulses, and fruits, along with technologies that save water and make irrigation more efficient.
“We’ve worked hard to create solutions that improve soil moisture and boost crop output,” said Dr. Nadeem Ahmed, Director of BARI, in an interview with this reporter.
BARI was set up in 1979 to address the tough farming conditions of the Potohar plateau. Over the decades, it has grown into a hub for crop research, water-saving technology, and farmer training.
“The institute was created to help farming communities in Potohar and tackle problems linked to rain-fed agriculture,” Dr. Ahmed explained.
Farming in Potohar relies completely on rainfall, unlike other parts of Punjab with canal irrigation. “We needed an institute to focus on crop yields, water shortages, and ways to make farming more productive,” he said.
New Crop Varieties Boost Farmers’ Income in Potohar
Today, BARI Chakwal works on a variety of crops. “We develop wheat, groundnut, oilseed, pulses, vegetables, and fruits, including high-value crops like peach, grapes, pistachio, pecan nut, and avocado,” Dr. Ahmed noted.
Water-Saving Techniques Help Maximize Yields
Water efficiency is just as important. The institute researches irrigation systems that use less water but produce more output.
Training Programs Support Farmers and Students
BARI also invests in people. “We train scientists, extension workers, and students through workshops and seminars so they can share knowledge with farmers.
We provide technical help so farmers can apply research results and improve their livelihoods,” Dr. Ahmed said. The institute also supports students through research and internships.
Olive and Blackberry Cultivation Expands Opportunities
One of its biggest achievements is promoting olive cultivation in the region. “Potohar has become a center for olive production. We’ve built the full value chain for olives, from propagation to harvesting,” Dr. Ahmed said. He called this “a great landmark for the institute.”
BARI has also introduced blackberry as a high-value crop to give small farmers new ways to earn income. “Blackberry allows farmers to make good profits from a small plot of land,” he added.
The Punjab Barani Tract covers Attock, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, and Chakwal, plus parts of Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Khushab, Mianwali, Jhang, Bhakkar, Layyah, DG Khan, and Rajanpur. It is one of Punjab’s most ecologically diverse areas and the backbone of its dryland farming and rangeland economy.
About 75% of Punjab’s forests and roughly 10 million acres of high-quality rangeland are found in this tract, offering great potential for grazing and fodder production to support livestock growth.
Author Profile
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Azeem Ahmed is an Islamabad-based journalist specializing in agriculture, business, and economic trends.
He provides insightful analysis on market developments and policy impacts shaping Pakistan’s economy.
