The initiative to develop Ber orchards in the Thar region, as highlighted by experts from the Arid Zone Research Centre (AZRC) during a training event in Umerkot, seems to offer promising solutions to address food insecurity in the area. Ber, with its nutritional value and adaptability to arid conditions, presents an opportunity to diversify local food sources and provide sustenance, especially in drought-prone regions like Tharparkar.
Dr. Azizullah Shah emphasized Ber’s potential as an alternative to traditional fruits like apples, highlighting its taste and nutritional benefits, particularly suited to the needs of the impoverished communities in Thar. Additionally, Ber’s usefulness as animal fodder further underscores its value in improving food security and livelihoods in the region.
Dr. Mohammad Siddique Depar provided insights into the nutritional content of Ber, both in its fresh and dried forms, emphasizing its richness in essential nutrients and medicinal properties. These attributes make Ber not only a valuable food source but also a potentially lucrative commodity for local farmers.
Mohammad Waseem Kalroo’s practical demonstration of Ber grafting techniques underscores the feasibility of cultivating Ber orchards in arid environments like Thar. The initiative to train local farmers in Ber cultivation and grafting, supported by organizations like Association for Water, Applied Education & Renewable Energy (AWARE) and terre des hommes (tdh), holds promise for enhancing food security, livelihoods, and economic opportunities in Tharparkar.
The shared vision among experts and stakeholders for creating a local food diversity base in the desert region signifies a shift towards sustainable solutions rather than relying solely on food imports. The potential for supplying dried Ber to the market presents an additional avenue for income generation for Thari farmers, contributing to the economic upliftment of the region.
Overall, the establishment of Ber orchards in Thar represents a holistic approach to addressing food insecurity, enhancing nutrition, and fostering economic resilience in one of Pakistan’s most vulnerable regions.
