Ultrahigh density fruits orchards introduced

IUB spokesman says 700 to 800 trees will be planted in one acre land

BAHAWALPUR:

Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) Vice-Chancellor Dr Athar Mahboob has inaugurated the ultrahigh density orchards of fruits on Thursday.

Mangoes, commercial cultivars of Chounsa, Dushari, Sindhari, Anwar Ratol, citrus cultivars of Kinnow, fruiter, grapefruit, lemons and date palm would be included.

The spokesman for the university Shahzad Ahmad Khalid said in a high-density orchard, there will be 700 to 800 plants per acre land, while 1,200 plants will be adjusted in ultrahigh density orchard.

“Between rows of plants, soft fruits like strawberry will be planted for early income to the university,” he said.

Khalid maintained that the fruits of these plants will be sold directly to national or international agencies to purchase the products of this project.

“Production technology will be standardised according to the agro-climatic condition of this region,” said the spokesman. “Students will also be involved in the activities,” he added. Department of Horticulture faculty will be engaged in research activities through this project, he said.

“In the second phase of this project, processing unit of fruit plants will be installed for value addition of the products to address malnutrition and food security issues of the region,” said the IUB spokesman.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2020.