Miyawaki method used for faster forest cover
The Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) executed the Miyawaki method for the plantation of urban forestry under its agroforestry programme at the Rangeland Research Institute, National Agriculture Research Centre, on Tuesday.
PARC Chairman Dr Azeem Khan inaugurated the Urban Forestry Model while DG NARC Engr Shamim ul Sibtain Shah, and Member (NR) Dr Sarfraz Ahmad along-with other officials were present on the occasion.
Dr Khan highlighted the importance of forest cover in sustainable climate-resilient agriculture. He added that the PARC has started vigorous plantation under Miyawaki techniques, a pioneering method developed by the Japanese plant ecologist Akira Miyawaki. To increase the forest cover in Pakistan rapidly, this technique has been introduced. It promises solutions to the environmental issues by rapidly and efficiently restoring degraded land, absorbing carbon dioxide emissions and preserving biodiversity creating a dense native forest in the process.
Japanese envoy hails PM for Miyawaki forests
The chairman said PARC has covered 1,250 square foot of an area. Under the method, six hundred multi-purpose tree seedlings were planted. Two hundred grammes compost is applied to each plant with maintaining a distance of two-square-foot sapling to plant and row to row.
The method will ensure lowering of temperature, soil conservation, supports local wildlife and sequestration of carbon.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 31st, 2021.