PAKISTAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COUNCIL

PROFORMA FOR SUB-PROJECTS UNDER

RESEARCH FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

1. Sector: Crop Sciences/Natural Resources/Animal Sciences/Social Sciences

2. Research Theme: (As given in PC-I of approved Mega Project)

Range-Management.

3. Project Title: Conservation of Native Flora of Cholistan Desert of Bahawalpur Through Rejuvenation Techniques.

4. Principal Investigator: Malik Muhammad Yousaf SSO/ Farm Manager Centre/Institute/Program: Arid Zone Research Institute (PARC), Bahawalpur.Address: 7-D, Model Town – A, Gulbarg Road, Bahawalpur (P.O.Box No. 93).Telephone: 062-2876833 Fax: 062-2876833.Email: … azribwp@hotmail.com...Other Projects being implemented by P.I at present.

S.No. Name of Project Funding Agency Total Cost Date of Completion

1. Oilcrops Cultivation in Cholistan Desert MINFAL 12.91 30-06-2003

5. Co-P.I: Dr. Rukhsana Anjum SSO/Director

Centre/Institute/Program: Arid Zone Research Institute (PARC), Bahawalpur.Address: 7-D, Model Town – A, Gulberg Road, Bahawalpur (P.O.Box No. 93).Telephone: 062-2876833 Fax: 062-2876833.Email: … azribwp@hotmail.com.

6. Other Team Members: Amir Ahmed SO7. National/International Collaboration: Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources,

Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies, Islamia University, Bahawalpur; Cholistan Development Authority and Punjab Forest Department.

8. Project Abstract/Summary:

Pakistan is predominantly arid with low rainfall and higher solar radiation over most parts of

the country. Out of 79.61 million hectors 68 millions hectors Country’s landmasses are arid

and about 60% (45.2 million hectors) of the total area is rangelands and most of these

rangelands receive less than 200 mm rainfall. Therefore, the productivity is very low and it is

not possible to utilize them for sustainable farming purposes. However, these rangelands

partially support 93.5 million livestock (Mohammad, 1989). Heavy grazing over vast areas of

rangelands has gradually put intolerable pressures on land, vegetation and its inhabitants, such

as farmed livestock, wildlife and pastoral communities. The main contributory factors are

increases in human and livestock populations. This has lead to an expansion of dry land

farming on marginal lands to satisfy the increasing demand for human food crops, and cutting

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of shrubs and trees for domestic fuel consumption. As a result, more palatable grasses,

legumes, herbs, shrubs and trees that once covered the desert-lands have been destroyed or

depleted. Therefore, each year inadequate forages during dry period combined with frequents

droughts causes heavy losses of livestock

Cholistan desert extends over an area of 2.6 million ha having harsh climate, extreme aridity,

erratic rainfall factors in combination adversely affect plant growth and reproduction. The total

population of Cholistan desert is 1.6 million, and their economy heavily rests on rearing of

livestock people practice nomadic lifestyle and they keep on moving in search of water and

forage for their livestock. Due to the foregoing reasons, pastoral communities have been

marginalized, which has not only affected their life style but has also triggered the process of

range degradation and desertification indeed the social and environmental condition, which had

made the livestock production and herbage utilization system unsustainable in the past, no

longer exist to support. In the light of above mentioned facts a project has been designed to

conserve the native flora of the Cholistan to make the desert more productive and green on

sustainable basis that could ultimately uplift the economic condition of pastoralists.

9. Researchable Issues and Their Significance: A) Low productivity of arid desert lands:

Due to misuse, over grazing and arid condition, FAO (1987) has reported a critical stocking

rate of 16-h/animal units for low potential desert ranges. At present, rangelands are producing

only 10 to 15% of their potential. The pastoral people have particular been hit harder due to

unfavorable changes in the prices of grains and livestock during the drought period. Due to

foregoing seasons, pastoral communities have been marginalized, which has not only affected

their lifestyle but has also triggered the process of range degradation, desertification, social and

environmental conditions. With the conservation of native flora of Cholistan desert by

adopting various management practices such as establishment, conservation and management

of pasture, re-seeding and improved grazing management, etc can increase the productivity of

dessert lands.

B) Insufficient availability of feed and forages.

Presently 90% of desert livestock feed is being received from desert pasture. At present forage

supply is 1/3 less than actual needs, which not sufficient, even to meet the maintenance

requirements of livestock. It is estimated that existing feed resources are different by 29 and

33% of total digestible nutrients (TDN) and crude protein respectively. Realizing the critical

and alarming situation, it is essential to enhance the productivity potential of desert grasses

through better management techniques.

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C.) Frequent and prolonged droughts depleted most of flora of Cholistan desert.

Out of 79.61 million hectors; about 60% of the total area is rangeland, most of these rangelands received less than 200 mm annual rainfalls. The situation become worst when dry-spell with prolonged drought occur; it extorts negative affect on desert flora, livestock and nomads. Most of the native dessert grasses, shrubs and trees had been depleted from the biota of Cholistan desert. Frequent prolonged droughts, extremes variation in climatic condition, heavy/over grazing and over exploitation of existing flora are the main causes of distraction of ecological balance of Cholistan desert. Restoration of ecological balance of Cholistan desert through bio-diversity conservation and rejuvenation is imperative goal to save this productive and live desert from further destruction and to make it green on sustainable basis.

10. Review of Relevant Literature:Asfar Mian and Usman-I-Ghani (2007) conducted a study on macro-biota under human protection in desert ecosystem of Cholistan. They investigated that over exploitation is frequently believed to seriously affect the simpler ecosystem. They found that the species abundance increased with increasing protection/ fencing.

Ahmed et al (2004) presented a working paper to IWMI on drought mitigation in Pakistan, current status and option for future strategies. In this study they reviewed factor affecting or associated with drought, focusing on the target area, identifying the gaps in institutional and policy arenas with recommendation and documenting lessons gained during previous drought cycle.

Arshad et al (2002) revealed that biodiversity in Cholistan desert is confronted with multiple stresses like prolonged droughts, increased salinity, high temperature, low humidity, enhanced grazing pressure, vegetation cutting for fuel wood and other uses. Because of these and several other hazards various plant and animal species are going to be extinct or are at the verge of extinction in this desert.

Farooq Ahmed (2004) conducted a study on the Agro-Pastoral Systems in Cholistan. He revealed that sustainable use of resources with the promotion of indigenous technology would benefit the local people. As with agro-pastoral system, silvopastoral systems can be designed to improve forage production and quality under tree plantations, or young trees may be planted into existing pasture. Research identified that tree-planting patterns will impact forage yields and quality, and systems can be designed to maximize forage production

Khan et al (2000) revealed that grazing of livestock is the most common and the biggest profession among the desert communities. Which in turn depends on amount of forage available for the livestock round the year. Ruthless exploitation of natural resources i.e. overgrazing due to overstocking coupled with rapid deforestation has enhanced the rate of desertification and consequently production of food, forage, fuel wood and timber has drastically reduced in most of the deserts. This has not only affected the environment of the whole region but has also worsened the socio-economic conditions of the desert communities. It is, therefore, imperative that natural resources of the desert i.e. land, vegetation, water and livestock resources of these areas should not only be conserved but also improved to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the desert dwellers.

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11. Specific Objectives:

i. To conserve and restore ecological balance of Cholistan desert by conservation of biodiversity through the establishment of more productive pasture.

ii. To develop sustainable pasture-livestock farming system by increasing desert land productivity on regular basis through the use of locally available resources, which can lead to profitable farming, sound pastoral development and environmental protection.

iii. To optimize economic gains by effective pasture improvement and livestock development, which will ultimately support poverty alleviation.

12. Methodology including data analysis and analytical design:

The activities of this project will be carried out at four locations of Cholistan desert; A) Arid

Zone Experimentation Station of AZRI, at Cholistan; B) Research farm of PCRWR at Haider

wali, Cholistan; and site C and D will be selected in lesser and greater Cholistan. An area of 10

acres will be required at each site to carry out the activities of this project. Land preparations

including land leveling, making of plantation pits, plots for range grasses and livestock proof

trenches around demonstration site will be made. A nursery of desert grasses, shrubs and trees

will be raised at Bahawalpur and Cholistan farms of AZRI, Bahawalpur. The native grasses,

herbs; shrubs and trees species will be propagated at each site in dessert. During this study,

after comprehensive survey and collection of seeds and stubbles from Cholistan desert.

The area of each site will be divided into further 08 blocks/treatments, B1; control (no new

plantation only fencing naturally growing species), B2; sole plantation of desert grasses, B3;

sole plantation of shrubs, B4; sole plantation of trees, B5; mix plantation of grasses and shrubs,

B6, mix plantation of grasses and trees B7; mix plantation of shrubs and trees and B8; mix

plantation grasses, shrubs and trees. During plantation of grasses, the plant to plant and row to

row distance will be kept as 2x2 feets, in case of shrubs plantation the plant to plant and row to

row distance will be kept as 6 X 6 m, while incase of trees plantation the plant to plant and row

to row distance will be kept as 12 X 12 m. Keeping in view the aridity and unforeseen drought

factor the life saving doses of water will be applied artificially with the help of turbine or pond.

Watering to the newly planted grasses, shrubs and trees will be carried at early stages until

establishment of roots. Before plantation of study material the whole area will be fenced with

barbed wire to avoid the risk of wild and grazing animals.

The data will be collected on quarter monthly basis during study period. The data on various

plant characteristics such as plant height, crown diameter, leaf area index, number of primary

branches, secondary branches, fresh and dry biomass yield will noted at various growth stages

during the study period. The data will be analyzed and will be published in different forms i.e.;

booklets, broachers, repots and journals of international repute

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13. Expected Outputs and Outcome/Impact: (In Bullets, maximum three);

Considering the net benefit of these efforts in a rural setup could indicate its multi -dimensional values in terms of forage, top feed, fuelwood, minor timber and occasionally cash crops. Tree growth improves microclimate and enhances the aesthetic value. The annual litter fall may very from 3-6 t / ha / year adds organic matter and pumps out valuable nutrients from the lower level of soils and makes it available to grasses and legumes for their optimum growth.

The value of silent services of pasture improvement is difficult to evaluate in terms of money. These include soil and water conservation, amelioration of microclimate recreation, bio-diversity and wildlife habitat. The present situation accelerating land degradation viz. soil loss, nutrient loss, species loss could be reversed by this approach.

Silvo-pastoral system promises the employment to rural youth in the activities of animal production, collection, processing manufacturing value added products from the trees and grasses, collection and trading of quality seed and other materials. The establishment and management of silvo-pastoral system can employ on an average of 10 years cycle 120 man days / ha / year.

14. Project Duration: (Maximum 3 Years).

15. Total Project Cost (Rs. 7.84 Million): ……………………………

16. Annual Phasing of Project cost:

Code Narration Y-1 Y-2 Y-3 Total61-20 Other benefits to officers 0.12 0.13 0.14 0.3961-21 Other benefits to staff 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.0761 ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSES** 0.14 0.15 0.17 0.4662-10 TA/DA (Officers and Staff) 0.14 0.13 0.13 0.4062-12 Conveyance charges -- -- -- --62-13 Running cost of vehicles 0.12 0.07 0.07 0.2662-14 Transport of goods 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.1262-1 Transportation 0.31 0.24 0.23 0.7862-20 Postage & Telegraph 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.0662-21 Telephone & trunk calls + Internet 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.1562-23 Courier Service 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.0962-2 Communication 0.09 0.10 0.11 0.3062-30 Utilities/office support 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.1662-31 Stationery 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.0762-32 Printing & Publication 0.05 0.07 0.08 0.2062-36 Consumable store 0.40 0.50 0.40 1.3062-37 Other Misc. Expenses 0.12 0.10 0.11 0.3362-3 Utilities 0.64 0.74 0.68 2.0662-40 Office/Lab Building 0.05 0.05 -- 0.1062-42 Machinery 0.04 0.03 -- 0.0762-43 Computer & Office equipment 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.06

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62-44 Furniture & Fixture 0.02 0.02 -- 0.0462-45 Vehicle 0.07 0.07 0.05 0.1962-4 Repair & Maintenance 0.21 0.19 0.06 0.4662-52 Consultancy Services* -- -- -- --62-53 Essay/article writing 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.0462-55 Other services (DPL & etc) 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.6362-56 Research Associate/Res. Assistant/Res. Technician* 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.7262-5 Other Services 0.46 0.46 0.47 1.3962-60 Publicity and advertisement 0.15 0.15 0.20 0.5062-62 Project Review expense -- 0.03 0.03 0.0662-63 Seminars/Workshops/Meetings* 0.10 0.10 0.15 0.3562-64 Foreign Delegation/International Cooperation (Local hospitality)* -- -- -- --62-66 Scholarships/Stipends/Internship* -- -- -- --62.67 Unforeseen Expenses (Entertainments & Gifts, Meeting Expenses,

Bank Charges, Custom duties, etc)0.03 0.3 0.03 0.09

62-6 Other Charges 0.28 0.31 0.41 1.0062 OPERATIONAL EXPENSES 5.9963-11 Buildings/civil works 0.80 -- -- 0.8063-12 Research Equipment & Machinery 0.52 -- -- 0.5263-13 Computer & Office Equipment 0.07 -- -- 0.0763-14 Furniture & Fixture -- -- -- --63-15 Vehicles -- -- -- --63-16 Livestock -- -- -- --63-17 Books -- -- -- --63-19 Other Assets -- -- -- --63-1 Fixed Assets 1.39 -- -- 1.3963 Capital Expenses 1.39

Grand Total 7.84** It includes incentives for outstanding performance of P.I. and team members.

* Justification

62-56. One scientific Assistant is required to assist in carrying out the activities of this project at four different locations in greater and lesser Cholistan, at present there are only two Scientific Assistant are working at AZRI, Bahawalpur. One has been assigned the duties at Cholistan Farm and other one has benn assigned the duties at Bahawalpur farm of AZRI, Bahawalpur.

62-63. The purpose of these activities to disseminate is to dissiminate the technology package to the end-users and their capacity building.

17. Summary of the budget S. No. Item Year-I Year-II Year-III Total Rs. in

million)

1. Establishment Expenses 0.14 0.15 0.17 0.46

2. Operational Expenses 1.99 2.04 1.96 5.99

3. Capital Cost 1.39 -- -- 1.39

Total 3.52 2.19 2.13 7.84

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18. Annual Phasing of Physical Work:

Year Activities to be Performed Lab./Field Locations

Responsible Scientists

Budget Required (Rs. in million)

Expected outputs (Deliverable, in quantifiable terms)

Year-1 Comprehensive survey of Cholistan to collect the seed or stubbles of native flora of Cholistan desert. Raising of nursery of desert grasses, shrubs and trees.

Selection of study site in greater and lesser Cholistan.

Field preparation, land leveling, making of plantation pits and layout preparation. Fencing of study area of each site (8 acres) with barbed wire.Sowing of desert grasses shrubs and trees through seeds/stubbles or nursery seedlings.

Greater and lesser Cholistan.

Both farms of AZRI

Cholistan area and AZRI’s Res. FarmsAll selected study sites

-Do-

--Do-

Malik M.Yousaf SSO/FM.

Dr. Rukhsana Anjum Director.

Amir Ahmed SO.

--Do-

--Do-

--Do-

--Do-

3.52

The germ plasm of native flora will be obtained.

Maximum seedlings of the selected flora will be available for plantation.Suitable study site will be achieved.

It will facilitate the plantation.

Protection from any human or animal’s damage.

A new pasture will be established.

Year-2 Raising and maintaining of nursery of desert grasses, shrubs and trees.

Application of managemental/agronomic practices (irrigation and Fertilizer/manuring).

Collection of data of various agronomic/growth parameters.

Conducting farmer’s field days at each location.

Organizing farmers training workshops.

Mid term review.

Both farms of AZRI

All selected study sites

-Do-

--Do—

AZRI, Bahawalpur’

--Do--

Malik M.Yousaf SSO/FM.

Dr. Rukhsana Anjum Director.

Amir Ahmed SO.

--Do-

--Do-

--Do-

--Do-

2.19

Maximum seedlings of the selected flora will be available for plantation.It inhance groth and establishment of newly planted flora..

Data will be available for required purpose.

Technical innovation of farmers.

Capacity building and technical innovation of farmers.The activities will be judged according to PC-1.

Year-3 Raising and maintaining of nursery of desert grasses, shrubs and trees.

Both farms of AZRI

Malik M.Yousaf SSO/FM.

Dr. Rukhsana

2.13

Maximum seedlings of the selected flora will be available for plantation.

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Application of managemental/agronomic practices (irrigation and Fertilizer/manuring).

Collection of data of various agronomic/growth and yield parameters.

Conducting farmer’s field days at each location.

Organizing farmers training workshops.

Report writing.

Publication of research findings.

Final review.

Proposal for converting project activities in current side budget of AZRI.

All selected study sites

--Do--

--Do--

AZRI BWP

AZRI BWP

AZRI BWP

AZRI BWP

AZRI BWP

Anjum Director.

Amir Ahmed SO.

--Do-

--Do-

--Do-

--Do-

It will enhance the growth and establishment of planted flora.

Data will be available for required purpose.

Technical innovation of farmers.

Capacity building and technical innovation of farmers.Project document will be available to officials.The results will be made available to international levelThe activities will be judged according to PC-1.The activities will be carried out on sustainable basis. according to research plan of AZRI.

Total

19. Enlist Lab./Field/Office Equipment, Machinery, Vehicle, Books and/or Civil Work-with cost by providing reference to PARC Mega Project’s provisions:

S. No. Equipment/Machinery/Vehicle/Civil Work

Quantity Specifications PC-1 Availability with Page No. & Item No. (according to Sector)

Cost(Rs. Million)

1 Power generator 04 0.40

2 Digital camera 10.3 M.pixel Item No. 19 page 93 0.05

3 Microwave oven 01 Capacity 35 L Item No. 7 page 93 0.02

4 Personal computer(Laptop) 01 P-IV 0.07

5 Post whole digger 01 Large size Not indicated 0.05

7 Construction of fencing

(barbed wire)

04 Fencing of barbed wire at four study sites in Cholistan (08 acres at each site)

Not indicated 0.80

Total Cost 1.39

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20. Additional Lab./Field Equipment required (other than PC-1), with adequate justification (only crucially needed research facilities may be proposed in exceptional cases)

S. No. Equipment/Machinery Specifications Cost (Rs. Million) Justification

Not applicable -- -- --

-- -- -- ---

Total Cost

Signature of P.I: ……………………………………..

Name: ………………………………………………..

Address: ……………………………………………..

Date: …………………………………………………

Endorsement:

1. Signature: …………………………….. 2. Signature: ……………………………...(Program Leader/Director/Coordinator) (Deputy Director General of Institute)

Address: ………………………………….. Address: …………………………………..

……………………………………………. …………………………………………….

Date: ……………………………………... Date: ………………………………………

3. Signature: ………………………………(Head of Organization with Stump)

Date: ....……………………………………

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