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 SO
7. 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 Total
61-20 Other benefits to officers 0.12 0.13 0.14 0.39
61-21 Other benefits to staff 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.07
61 ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSES** 0.14 0.15 0.17 0.46
62-10 TA/DA (Officers and Staff) 0.14 0.13 0.13 0.40
62-12 Conveyance charges -- -- -- --
62-13 Running cost of vehicles 0.12 0.07 0.07 0.26
62-14 Transport of goods 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.12
62-1 Transportation 0.31 0.24 0.23 0.78
62-20 Postage & Telegraph 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.06
62-21 Telephone & trunk calls + Internet 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.15
62-23 Courier Service 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.09
62-2 Communication 0.09 0.10 0.11 0.30
62-30 Utilities/office support 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.16
62-31 Stationery 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.07
62-32 Printing & Publication 0.05 0.07 0.08 0.20
62-36 Consumable store 0.40 0.50 0.40 1.30
62-37 Other Misc. Expenses 0.12 0.10 0.11 0.33
62-3 Utilities 0.64 0.74 0.68 2.06
62-40 Office/Lab Building 0.05 0.05 -- 0.10
62-42 Machinery 0.04 0.03 -- 0.07

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62-43 Computer & Office equipment 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.06
62-44 Furniture & Fixture 0.02 0.02 -- 0.04
62-45 Vehicle 0.07 0.07 0.05 0.19
62-4 Repair & Maintenance 0.21 0.19 0.06 0.46
62-52 Consultancy Services* -- -- -- --
62-53 Essay/article writing 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.04
62-55 Other services (DPL & etc) 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.63
62-56 Research Associate/Res. Assistant/Res. Technician* 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.72
62-5 Other Services 0.46 0.46 0.47 1.39
62-60 Publicity and advertisement 0.15 0.15 0.20 0.50
62-62 Project Review expense -- 0.03 0.03 0.06
62-63 Seminars/Workshops/Meetings* 0.10 0.10 0.15 0.35
62-64 Foreign Delegation/International Cooperation (Local hospitality)* -- -- -- --
62-66 Scholarships/Stipends/Internship* -- -- -- --
62.67 Unforeseen Expenses (Entertainments & Gifts, Meeting Expenses, 0.03 0.3 0.03 0.09
Bank Charges, Custom duties, etc)
62-6 Other Charges 0.28 0.31 0.41 1.00
62 OPERATIONAL EXPENSES 5.99
63-11 Buildings/civil works 0.80 -- -- 0.80
63-12 Research Equipment & Machinery 0.52 -- -- 0.52
63-13 Computer & Office Equipment 0.07 -- -- 0.07
63-14 Furniture & Fixture -- -- -- --
63-15 Vehicles -- -- -- --
63-16 Livestock -- -- -- --
63-17 Books -- -- -- --
63-19 Other Assets -- -- -- --
63-1 Fixed Assets 1.39 -- -- 1.39
63 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 Responsible Budget Expected outputs

Locations Scientists Required (Deliverable, in
(Rs. in quantifiable terms)
million)
Year-1 Comprehensive survey of Greater and Malik M.Yousaf The germ plasm of
Cholistan to collect the seed or lesser SSO/FM. native flora will be
stubbles of native flora of Cholistan. obtained.
Cholistan desert. Dr. Rukhsana 3.52
Both farms Anjum Director. Maximum seedlings of
Raising of nursery of desert of AZRI the selected flora will
grasses, shrubs and trees. Amir Ahmed SO. be available for
plantation.
Selection of study site in Cholistan --Do- Suitable study site will
greater and lesser Cholistan. area and be achieved.
AZRI’s Res.
Farms It will facilitate the
Field preparation, land All selected --Do- plantation.
leveling, making of plantation study sites
pits and layout preparation.

Fencing of study area of each -Do- --Do- Protection from any

site (8 acres) with barbed wire human or animal’s
. damage.
Sowing of desert grasses --Do- --Do-
shrubs and trees through A new pasture will be
seeds/stubbles or nursery established.
seedlings.
Year-2 Raising and maintaining of Both farms Malik M.Yousaf Maximum seedlings of
nursery of desert grasses, of AZRI SSO/FM. the selected flora will
shrubs and trees. be available for
Dr. Rukhsana 2.19 plantation.
Application of All selected Anjum Director. It inhance groth and
managemental/agronomic study sites establishment of newly
practices (irrigation and Amir Ahmed SO. planted flora..
Fertilizer/manuring).

Collection of data of various -Do- --Do- Data will be available

agronomic/growth parameters. for required purpose.

Conducting farmer’s field days --Do— --Do- Technical innovation

at each location. of farmers.

Organizing farmers training AZRI, --Do- Capacity building and

workshops. Bahawalpur’ technical innovation of
farmers.
Mid term review. --Do-- --Do- The activities will be
judged according to
PC-1.
Year-3 Raising and maintaining of Both farms Malik M.Yousaf Maximum seedlings of
nursery of desert grasses, of AZRI SSO/FM. the selected flora will
2.13
shrubs and trees. be available for
Dr. Rukhsana plantation.
Application of All selected Anjum Director. It will enhance the
managemental/agronomic study sites growth and

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 practices (irrigation and Amir Ahmed SO. establishment of
Fertilizer/manuring). planted flora.
--Do-
Collection of data of various --Do-- Data will be available
agronomic/growth and yield for required purpose.
parameters.
--Do-
Conducting farmer’s field days --Do-- Technical innovation
at each location. of farmers.

Organizing farmers training AZRI BWP --Do- Capacity building and

workshops. technical innovation of
farmers.
Report writing. AZRI BWP --Do- Project document will
be available to
AZRI BWP officials.
Publication of research The results will be
findings. made available to
AZRI BWP international level
The activities will be
Final review. AZRI BWP judged according to
PC-1.
Proposal for converting project The activities will be
activities in current side carried out on
budget of AZRI. 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/ Quantity Specifications PC-1 Availability Cost

Vehicle/Civil Work with Page No. & (Rs.
Item No. (according Million)
to Sector)
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 04 Fencing of Not indicated 0.80
barbed wire at
(barbed wire)
four study
sites in
Cholistan
(08 acres at
each site)
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: ....……………………………………