Present water shortages in Sindh (Pakistan) has forced farmers to think over alternative crops; the crops which requires less water or the crops which can be grown with use of brackish underground water (most of the sub-soil water in Sindh is brackish). Farmers are mostly uneducated and public sector agriculture research and extension services are almost non-existent. I have heard many farmers asking for solution to this crises. Many farmers have resorted to tube wells, but crops wither after some irrigations due to high concentration of salt contents. At many places I have seen withering wheat crop due to use of such a water. I have few of question. If someone can provide information about them, I may be able to convey it to local farmers.
1. Which halophytes or salt tolerant crops can be grown with commercially feasible potential under somewhat sub-tropical conditions?
2. How low-cost "Sulphuric Acid Generators" can be made locally and is it really helpful in turning brackish tube-well water into useable irrigation water?
3. What other contingent measures can be taken for perennial fruit trees, e.g. mangoes, to save them from destruction as there will be no water for several months in the future and no rains are expected before monsoons in the July?
I will appreciate your response, valuable comments and resource pointers in this regards. Summary of valuable comments and recommendations will be publicized through print media for the benefit of local farmers in Sindh.
Mir Atta Muhammad Talpur
http://geocities.com/indusfarming
mailto:talpur@altavista.net
Sindh, Pakistan
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