By Azeem Ahmed
In a significant move for regional agriculture, Pakistan’s top dryland research institute is starting Potohar agriculture projects to improve seed production and expand high-value fruit cultivation across the Potohar plateau, a senior official said.
Taking the lead, the Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) in Chakwal will oversee the initiative under a new Punjab government program aimed at transforming rain-fed farming in the region, Director Dr. Nadeem Ahmed told this reporter.
BARI Leads Potohar Agriculture Projects for Seed Production
Moving forward, Dr. Nadeem said, “The government has approved the Agriculture Transformation in Potohar Project, and BARI has been assigned early-generation groundnut seed production.”
Addressing a long-standing issue, the program seeks to tackle chronic seed shortages that have been limiting yields for small farmers.
Ensuring quality, he added, “We will make sure quality seed is available by producing early-generation groundnut seed.”
Planning for distribution, BARI will produce and supply 25,000 kilograms of basic and pre-basic groundnut seed.
After multiplication, these seeds will reach a wider farming community to improve overall cultivation.
Expanding Citrus and Nursery Infrastructure
Expanding horticulture, the project includes a major citrus component. BARI will develop nursery tunnels and related infrastructure to increase plant production and provide 15,000 citrus plants to farmers through 25 model farms over the next three years.
Filling the infrastructure gap, Dr. Nadeem explained, “We have identified citrus varieties suited to Potohar, but nursery infrastructure is lacking. This project will help address that.”
Promoting High-Value Crops for Small Landholders
Promoting high-value crops, the institute also plans to support fruits that fit the small landholdings common in the region.
Maximizing farmer income, Dr. Nadeem said, “Farmers have small plots, so we are working on high-value agriculture so that they can earn the most from the least land.”
Diversifying crops, BARI will distribute 30,000 plants of blackberry, peach, grapes, nectarine, and fig over three years. These crops are more adaptable to the region and can increase farmers’ income.
Exploring New Crops and Olive Cultivation
Exploring new possibilities, the institute is testing blueberry and raspberry for possible introduction and will promote large-scale olive cultivation across more than 3,000 acres.
Strengthening regional research, BARI Chakwal operates six sub-stations in the Potohar plateau focusing on horticulture and field crops.
Murree and Soan Valley stations work on avocado, pecan, hazelnut, apple, peach, and grapes, while Fateh Jang and Attock stations focus on improved wheat, groundnut, and pulses varieties.
Understanding Potohar’s Terrain and Unlocking Potential
Committing to long-term change, Dr. Nadeem said the institute is determined to support sustained agricultural development in the region.
Understanding the landscape, the Punjab Barani Tract covers Attock, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, and parts of Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Khushab, Mianwali, Jhang, Bhakkar, Layyah, D.G. Khan, and Rajanpur districts.
Accounting for diversity, its terrain ranges from the Murree-Kahuta uplands and Potohar plateau to the Salt Range, riverine zones, and the Thal desert.
Each area requires tailored development strategies due to differences in rainfall and ecological conditions.
Unlocking potential, the tract is home to roughly 31.5 million people, about 29 percent of Punjab’s population.
Officials believe that integrating these communities into the broader economy could bring significant growth and development.
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.
