ISLAMABAD — A Rs1.28 billion development project has been proposed to strengthen livestock, horticulture and sustainable ecosystem management in the Thar desert, aiming to improve livelihoods and agricultural productivity in one of Pakistan’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
The five-year initiative, titled Thar Community Actions for the Management of Sustainable Ecosystem, Livestock, Land and Livelihood (THAR CAMELL), will be implemented by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council through its Arid Zone Research Institute in Umerkot, according to official documents reviewed by Wealth Pakistan.
The project will run from July 2026 to June 2031 and cover Umerkot district and 30 union councils of Tharparkar in Sindh.
Focus on livestock, agriculture and livelihoods
The initiative is designed to support agricultural innovation, improve livestock genetics, strengthen disease control systems and promote sustainable natural resource management. It also includes technology transfer to local farming communities.
Officials say the project will prioritise poverty reduction by targeting underserved Thari communities, with plans to train more than 2,000 farmers to improve skills and productivity.
Infrastructure and research development
Key components include the establishment of livestock and horticulture research facilities at the Arid Zone Research Institute in Umerkot. These centres will focus on improving livestock productivity, enhancing indigenous breeds and developing disease diagnostics.
The project also plans to convert 180 acres of wasteland into productive land and set up demonstration sites for arid horticulture and land management practices.
Technology and value addition
Modern technologies such as genotyping, diagnostics and radio frequency identification systems will be introduced under broader digital initiatives. The project also includes plans for value-added agricultural exports, including a dehydration plant and production of dried vegetables and Ber.
Additional facilities will support soil, water and plant analysis, livestock services and biotechnology research to assist farmers and extension workers.
Environmental and climate resilience measures
Environmental interventions form a key part of the plan, including afforestation, arid horticulture and rainwater recharge systems to strengthen climate resilience in desert ecosystems.
The initiative is aligned with national development priorities, including the 13th Five-Year Plan and broader agricultural growth programmes, with the aim of improving long-term sustainability and rural incomes in the region.
