High-stake seats in Sindh
2002 ELections
By Sohail Sangi
SINDH is an agricultural society and most of its population lives in rural areas where big landlords rule the roost in economic, social and political affairs. Traditional political families are in the arena to impose their dominance once again after the October elections.In the province there are at least six high-stake seats. Those being contested by PPP, PML (Q) and SDA heavyweights are the most prestigious ones on which the respective parties are focussing their energies to win at all costs. Defeat on these seats will not only mean the loss of face to the candidates but also a loss to their parties. Therefore, these keen contests are drawing the attention of the observers.Illahi Bux Soomro, former speaker of the National Assembly who recently joined the PML (QA), is contesting from NA-208 (Jacobabad-I0). He was elected from this seat in 1997. Although he is supposed to be very close to Islamabad power circles, this time he was neither offered any role by the Punjab-based parties nor did he get any help for consolidating the anti-PPP vote in his home province.On the contrary, when it was announced that Governor Mohammedmian Soomro would contest the election from this ancestral seat of the Soomro family, the position of the elder Soomro was further jeopardised. It is said that some most powerful person in Islamabad came to his rescue and the junior Soomro was asked to withdraw from the contest on the assurance that he would continue to hold the post of governor.Political pundits believe that if Illahi Bux wins the seat, he would be a good choice from Sindh for the prime ministership. However, if that is not so, he would then surely be considered for the office of speaker. That is why the NA-208 seat is regarded as a prestigious one.Illahi Bux is facing Aijaz Husain Jakhrani, younger brother of Mir Babal Jakhrani, a PPP leader and former MNA, who is an old political rival of Illahi Bux and has been ousted from the elections due to the graduation condition. Although Illahi Bux’s opponent is not a heavyweight like him, he is in hot water because, along with Jakhrani tribesmen, the Ghari Khairo Rajuni Awami Ittehad has announced that it would support the PPP candidate. The Ittehad comprises eight notables of major communities of the area.NA-198, Sukkur-I, is also an important seat from where Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, a trustworthy and active deputy of Benazir Bhutto, is contesting the election. The former deputy leader of the opposition is facing Abdul Qadir Ghumro, a PML (F) candidate supported by the SDA and National Alliance. In the last two successive elections this seat was won by Khursheed Shah. Here in a constituency which includes the Sukkur city, Sakhi Abdur Razzaq, the son of a PPP turncoat Sardar Muqeem Khoso, is also in the field on the ticket of the MQM. The MQM and the PML (F) may evolve a joint strategy against the PPP on this seat.Seats in Larkana and Nawabshah districts are important not because of the contestants — except Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Sindh PPP president — but because one is the home district of Benazir Bhutto and the other that of her jailed husband Asif Ali Zardari. The PPP opponents will spend all their energies to get the PPP candidates defeated in these two districts.The disqualification of PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto and the resignation of Nawab Shabbir Ahmed Chandio from the post of Larkana district president had rather dismayed the PPP workers and candidates initially, but now the acceptance of Khuhro’s papers has lifted their morale. It is also speculated that Chandio will be back in the party fold before the election, and this will further raise the morale of the partymen.Khuhro, being the provincial party chief, may be a choice for the top slot if the party does well in the polls. He is facing Mansoor Ahmed Sheikh of the PML (QA) but does not run much risk.Although no party chief is contesting election from Sindh, political development shows that there are too many stakeholders in the province. They include the PPP, the Jatois, Pir Pagara and the Shaikhs.Former Sindh chief minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi is contesting for both Provincial Assembly and National Assembly seats (PS-76 and NA-233) on the PML (Q) ticket. He aspires for chief ministership if anti-PPP setup is implemented in Sindh following the election.There will be a tough contest between the PPP’s Zafar Ali Leghari and Liaquat Jatoi on PS-76 (Khairpur Nathan Shah).Leghari may be a choice of the PPP for the top slot in Sindh.On the National Assembly seat (NA-233, Dadu-III) where the PPP has pitched Rafique Ahmed Mahesar against Liaquat Jatoi, a neck and neck contest is expected.The name of Imtiaz Shaikh, a bureaucrat-turned politician, is also being mentioned for Sindh’s top slot. The SDA is his brainchild, which was founded and projected for consolidating anti-PPP forces, but this could not work. Shaikh is facing former federal minister Agha Tariq of the PPP on PS 11.The element of biradarism will also play a vital role in determining the results for PS 11 which has also remained a hot bed of bloody tribal clashes. The district is still at the mercy of old clans and the political parties have failed to make any difference as influential tribal chiefs are very much in.The PS-69 (Mirpurkhas-VII) seat is also a stake seat as former chief minister Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah is contesting on the ticket of the PML (F) from his home town constituency. The PPP has pitched Ali Mardan Shah, who was earlier defeated by him in 1993 when he became law minister and then chief minister after the death of Jam Sadiq Ali.Muzaffar Shah was absent from the scene and had been living abroad for the last four years. It is believed that Pir Pagara has specially summoned him to contest election in view of the inability of his son, Pir Sibghatullah Shah, to do so. Shah is also tipped for the top slot if it goes to Pagara group.Seats in Tharparkar and Thatta districts are important because Shirazi and Arbab are supposed to be the king’s men and have been claiming to be uncrowned kings of their respective districts. They have been active in anti-PPP campaign recently.So far Tharparkar is concerned, it is very difficult for the Arbabs to get through in two National Assembly and four Provincial Assembly seats.It is believed that the Arbabs have smelt a rat about the results of the October elections in Thar district, so they have demanded postponement of the election in this sandy belt on the pretext of drought.Observers and the people of Sindh are watching these contests with great interest.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thar coal: issues and options
By Sohail Sangi
China and Pakistan have recently entered into an agreement to launch work on the Thar coal project. The Chinese company, Shenhau group will undertake the project on Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis and will be responsible for investment, construction and operation, while Pakistan will provide it with the project site and necessary infrastructure.The Chinese company would set-up a power plant of 330MW by extracting coal from an area of 50sq km. The entire mining area is spread over 9100sq km with rich reserves that may last for more than 30 years.Thar coalfield is spread over 9100sq km with the dimensions of 140km (north south) and 65km (east west) in Thar. There are 2,700 million tons measured deposits; 9395 million tons indicated, 50,706 million tons inferred, and 112705 million tons hypothetical deposits making a total 175.506 billion tons. The studies have confirmed the thickest coal bed is called, the Thar coal. It is present between 150 and 203 meters depth. The seam attains a maximum thickness of 22.1 meters with around 15 meters in most of the area. The cumulative coal thickness varies between 7.15 and 36.00 meters. The thickness of overburden varies from 114 to over 200 meters and sand dunes above the average ground level in the area increased by another 30 meters. These deposits will be dug out by open pit mining process, which is much economical than other underground hazardous mining methods. The coalfield rests directly on relatively shallow, rifted basement rocks of the pre-Cambrian age.Qualitative analyses: Thar coal is classified as lignite A-B. The quality has been determined on the basis of chemical analyses of more than 2000 samples. The moisture and ash contents of Thar coal when compared to other lignite deposits of the world show that these are quite favourable for power generation. The average chemical analyses of coal samples from the entire area percentage wise are as under:The moisture (AR) 46.77 per cent, the ash (AR) 6.24 per cent, volatile matters (AR) 23.42 per cent, volatile matters (DAF) 58.91 per cent, the fixed carbon (AR) 16.66 per cent, sulphur (AR) 1.16 per cent and the heating value (AR) 5774 Btu/lb.Potential use of Thar black gold: Pakistan spends Rs66 billion on the import of furnace oil, annually. The coal exploration and development will give rise to use it as an alternative source of power generation. Thus, the country can save Rs4-5 billion by utilizing the domestic coal reserves. By using coal in the cement industry, about 50 per cent saving on the import of furnace oil bill of Rs240 million in short term, and 100 per cent in the long term can be achieved. This will also result in 30 per cent reduction in the cost of production.The quality and the vast reserves of Thar coal are suitable for power generation. The low ash and to some extent the sulphur contents and the reasonable heating value are plus points. The sulphur content is certainly much lower than other coals of Pakistan. Hence, its use in power generation will have lesser detrimental effects on the environment. The proven reserves for the establishment of four power generation units (4000MW) would last for a period of 30 years, or so. Besides, the Thar coal can possibly be used to produce smokeless briquettes for commercial use and in cement and sugar industry as a substitute for furnace oil or gas.Exploration background: The former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the 1320MW coal-fired power plant in January 19,1995. This plant was to be established at the village Thahario Halepoto near Islamkot town of Tharparkar district, by a Hong Kong based company of Gordon Woo. Unfortunately, in 1995-97, two most powerful lobbies pro-Kala Bagh Dam and oil importing companies were believed to be at loggerhead with the Sindh Coal Authority (SCA) and the government of Sindh. Consequently, the proposed coal-based power plant that was supposed to be established in Thar was first shifted to Keti Bandar and later on was shelved. The SCA is assigned to carry out feasibility study of the Thar coal for assessing the extraction cost and selling price of the coal for power generation and other uses. This study will be completed in 2003. Coal as a fuel presently costs 60 t0 65 paisa per kWh that is far cheaper than the furnace oil.Meanwhile, the Geological Survey of Pakistan has awarded the contract to Bakht Business to sink an exploratory shaft in Thar coalfield for preparing a final bankable feasibility for the coal mining. These samples will be used for carrying out combustion engineering tests during the exploratory process to determine the suitability level of coal in using it in the power generation, cement, and the sugar industries.Besides, the Chinese experts will also carryout 120-130 more bore holes in all four blocks of the Thar field during its feasibility study, besides carrying out technical and financial studies. This indicates that the Chinese group is being awarded the contract before the completion of studies to determine the extracting cost and the selling price of coal, as well as its various uses.Issues and options: While utilizing the coal reserves it will be necessary to have a critical view for the mining, the technology to be used for power generation and other related questions. This is very important because some products of coal combustion have detrimental effects on environment. The burning of coal produces carbondioxide, among other byproducts. Environmentalists believe that, owing to the widespread use of coal and other fossil fuels, the amount of carbondioxide in earth’s atmosphere could increase to such an extent that changes in the climate will occur. The sulphur and the nitrogen in coal form oxides during combustion that can contribute to the formation of acid rains. However, sulphurdioxide emissions from new the coal-fired facilities are now controlled in many countries.The experience of Lakhra may not be repeated, where power plant is on death throes and the coal is being used in brick kilns. It is hoped that with the utilization of coal, the destiny of Thar will change, therefore the wealth generated through black gold should be utilized in this backward area and its people. When we talk about maximum benefits that does not only mean jobs, royalty, compensation of lands etc., but also productive and developmental investment to change the agriculture and livestock breeding of the area which may result in sustainable development of the area. How this will be done? How money will be spent and how much local people will actually be benefited. There are some reservations, which require proper answer.1. The underground mining can result in black lung disease for miners, and the sinking of land over mines, and the drainage of acid into water tables, therefore all requirement regarding safe coal mining may be fulfilled. Surface mining would require careful reclamation, and the land would render unproductive. This includes the methodology of mining, reducing damages and the apprehensions.2. The clean technology should be used because burning of coal produces carbondioxide, among other byproducts.3. How this wealth would be spent? Who will own and control the wealth produced by the black gold? There are reports that the Sindh Coal Authority is being sidelined and the Geological Survey of Pakistan and the federal ministry of petroleum and natural resources have practically taken over the things. This indicates that the federal government is going to take over the control of the minerals.4. What local people will get in terms of facilities, jobs, royalty, compensation for their land, and overall compensation for environment/eco-system.5. Only construction of few roads and setting up shops of consumer items or few unskilled jobs would not change the pattern and the economy of this backward area. Two things are worth mentioning, among which one is Badin district, which is known as mini Dubai due to its oil wells, but nothing has been changed for the common man of the area. The other is Bhitt Jabal of Dadu district, where infrastructure of road etc., has been laid but the pattern of economy for the common man has not been changed. Are we going to repeat the above two experiences in Thar or is there more in the bag for the Thari people?There is a need to develop alternate source of living. This can be achieved by developing water resources for the agriculture, and the cattle breeding, as Saudi Arabia and some other countries have done by utilizing the wealth generated from the oil. The coal is the last hope for the development of this backward area, which is hit by droughts periodically due to the scarcity of rains, therefore it should be properly and carefully utilized.
China and Pakistan have recently entered into an agreement to launch work on the Thar coal project. The Chinese company, Shenhau group will undertake the project on Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis and will be responsible for investment, construction and operation, while Pakistan will provide it with the project site and necessary infrastructure.The Chinese company would set-up a power plant of 330MW by extracting coal from an area of 50sq km. The entire mining area is spread over 9100sq km with rich reserves that may last for more than 30 years.Thar coalfield is spread over 9100sq km with the dimensions of 140km (north south) and 65km (east west) in Thar. There are 2,700 million tons measured deposits; 9395 million tons indicated, 50,706 million tons inferred, and 112705 million tons hypothetical deposits making a total 175.506 billion tons. The studies have confirmed the thickest coal bed is called, the Thar coal. It is present between 150 and 203 meters depth. The seam attains a maximum thickness of 22.1 meters with around 15 meters in most of the area. The cumulative coal thickness varies between 7.15 and 36.00 meters. The thickness of overburden varies from 114 to over 200 meters and sand dunes above the average ground level in the area increased by another 30 meters. These deposits will be dug out by open pit mining process, which is much economical than other underground hazardous mining methods. The coalfield rests directly on relatively shallow, rifted basement rocks of the pre-Cambrian age.Qualitative analyses: Thar coal is classified as lignite A-B. The quality has been determined on the basis of chemical analyses of more than 2000 samples. The moisture and ash contents of Thar coal when compared to other lignite deposits of the world show that these are quite favourable for power generation. The average chemical analyses of coal samples from the entire area percentage wise are as under:The moisture (AR) 46.77 per cent, the ash (AR) 6.24 per cent, volatile matters (AR) 23.42 per cent, volatile matters (DAF) 58.91 per cent, the fixed carbon (AR) 16.66 per cent, sulphur (AR) 1.16 per cent and the heating value (AR) 5774 Btu/lb.Potential use of Thar black gold: Pakistan spends Rs66 billion on the import of furnace oil, annually. The coal exploration and development will give rise to use it as an alternative source of power generation. Thus, the country can save Rs4-5 billion by utilizing the domestic coal reserves. By using coal in the cement industry, about 50 per cent saving on the import of furnace oil bill of Rs240 million in short term, and 100 per cent in the long term can be achieved. This will also result in 30 per cent reduction in the cost of production.The quality and the vast reserves of Thar coal are suitable for power generation. The low ash and to some extent the sulphur contents and the reasonable heating value are plus points. The sulphur content is certainly much lower than other coals of Pakistan. Hence, its use in power generation will have lesser detrimental effects on the environment. The proven reserves for the establishment of four power generation units (4000MW) would last for a period of 30 years, or so. Besides, the Thar coal can possibly be used to produce smokeless briquettes for commercial use and in cement and sugar industry as a substitute for furnace oil or gas.Exploration background: The former prime minister, Benazir Bhutto, performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the 1320MW coal-fired power plant in January 19,1995. This plant was to be established at the village Thahario Halepoto near Islamkot town of Tharparkar district, by a Hong Kong based company of Gordon Woo. Unfortunately, in 1995-97, two most powerful lobbies pro-Kala Bagh Dam and oil importing companies were believed to be at loggerhead with the Sindh Coal Authority (SCA) and the government of Sindh. Consequently, the proposed coal-based power plant that was supposed to be established in Thar was first shifted to Keti Bandar and later on was shelved. The SCA is assigned to carry out feasibility study of the Thar coal for assessing the extraction cost and selling price of the coal for power generation and other uses. This study will be completed in 2003. Coal as a fuel presently costs 60 t0 65 paisa per kWh that is far cheaper than the furnace oil.Meanwhile, the Geological Survey of Pakistan has awarded the contract to Bakht Business to sink an exploratory shaft in Thar coalfield for preparing a final bankable feasibility for the coal mining. These samples will be used for carrying out combustion engineering tests during the exploratory process to determine the suitability level of coal in using it in the power generation, cement, and the sugar industries.Besides, the Chinese experts will also carryout 120-130 more bore holes in all four blocks of the Thar field during its feasibility study, besides carrying out technical and financial studies. This indicates that the Chinese group is being awarded the contract before the completion of studies to determine the extracting cost and the selling price of coal, as well as its various uses.Issues and options: While utilizing the coal reserves it will be necessary to have a critical view for the mining, the technology to be used for power generation and other related questions. This is very important because some products of coal combustion have detrimental effects on environment. The burning of coal produces carbondioxide, among other byproducts. Environmentalists believe that, owing to the widespread use of coal and other fossil fuels, the amount of carbondioxide in earth’s atmosphere could increase to such an extent that changes in the climate will occur. The sulphur and the nitrogen in coal form oxides during combustion that can contribute to the formation of acid rains. However, sulphurdioxide emissions from new the coal-fired facilities are now controlled in many countries.The experience of Lakhra may not be repeated, where power plant is on death throes and the coal is being used in brick kilns. It is hoped that with the utilization of coal, the destiny of Thar will change, therefore the wealth generated through black gold should be utilized in this backward area and its people. When we talk about maximum benefits that does not only mean jobs, royalty, compensation of lands etc., but also productive and developmental investment to change the agriculture and livestock breeding of the area which may result in sustainable development of the area. How this will be done? How money will be spent and how much local people will actually be benefited. There are some reservations, which require proper answer.1. The underground mining can result in black lung disease for miners, and the sinking of land over mines, and the drainage of acid into water tables, therefore all requirement regarding safe coal mining may be fulfilled. Surface mining would require careful reclamation, and the land would render unproductive. This includes the methodology of mining, reducing damages and the apprehensions.2. The clean technology should be used because burning of coal produces carbondioxide, among other byproducts.3. How this wealth would be spent? Who will own and control the wealth produced by the black gold? There are reports that the Sindh Coal Authority is being sidelined and the Geological Survey of Pakistan and the federal ministry of petroleum and natural resources have practically taken over the things. This indicates that the federal government is going to take over the control of the minerals.4. What local people will get in terms of facilities, jobs, royalty, compensation for their land, and overall compensation for environment/eco-system.5. Only construction of few roads and setting up shops of consumer items or few unskilled jobs would not change the pattern and the economy of this backward area. Two things are worth mentioning, among which one is Badin district, which is known as mini Dubai due to its oil wells, but nothing has been changed for the common man of the area. The other is Bhitt Jabal of Dadu district, where infrastructure of road etc., has been laid but the pattern of economy for the common man has not been changed. Are we going to repeat the above two experiences in Thar or is there more in the bag for the Thari people?There is a need to develop alternate source of living. This can be achieved by developing water resources for the agriculture, and the cattle breeding, as Saudi Arabia and some other countries have done by utilizing the wealth generated from the oil. The coal is the last hope for the development of this backward area, which is hit by droughts periodically due to the scarcity of rains, therefore it should be properly and carefully utilized.
Short mango season
By Sohail Sangi
IT WAS surprising that we had a short mango season this year. Previously, we had this juicy fruit at least for four months ending September, but this year even in the month of July it seems that the mango season is in the last stage, and will last only for one or two weeks more. There are many issues and constraints, which need to be tackled.The crop covers about 100 thousand hectares of land, mostly in Sindh and southern Punjab. All prize varieties of northern and central India thrive well in Pakistan and are far superior in taste, flavour and other characteristics.After the consumption in Pakistan, mango is exported to other countries. Only five percent of total production is sent to selected markets. Among the traditional buyers, Dubai picks up at least 18000 tons, while Saudi Arabia, Oman and UK are other major importers. On production, the country stands on the sixth number while it covers 7.5 per cent share in the international market. This is a very low share and needs to be increased. According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) sources, the earning from exports of 47000 tons mango was estimated worth $7 million in 1999. It was around $8 million next year. During 2000-2001 Pakistan exported 53443 tons worth $16.54 million showing an increase of 43 per cent over 99-2000. The EPB expects mango exports to rise by 25 per cent during this year. Last year 53444 tons of quality mangoes were exported, thus earning a foreign exchange of $17 million.Last year, Pakistani mangoes fetched more prices in the international market as compared to the previous season. Our mango was sold at the rate of $2.90 per kilograms in 2000, but the price has gone up to $3.83 per kg in year 2001. Some delegations were also sent to Italy, Turkey, Holland, and Germany to explore new markets for angoes and response from these countries was encouraging. In fact, tremendous export opportunities exist for Pakistani mangoes in the Middle East, and Europe, but inefficient and improper post harvest operations have resulted in spoilage of production. It is estimated that the Pakistani farmers are losing about 3.5 million tons of fruit worth $1.5 billion, due to faulty harvesting and post-harvest operations.The farmers are not getting proper guidance, encouragement and marketing, so they are unable to improve their produce in qualitative as well as in quantitative terms. There is also lack of knowledge among the growers about how best to maintain their orchards.Kachhelo farm (Mirpurkhas), known for producing high quality mangoes, has almost been destroyed, because of the continuous water shortage. The size of the fruit has been reduced, and the taste has deteriorated. Previously, it produced “Sindhri” variety which weighed 1800 grams (1.75 kg) per fruit.In Sindh, mango production, is increasing , as more and more land is being brought under cultivation of this crop and over all production is rising. But per hectare yield is not on the increase, and it is less as compared to Punjab. Figures show that in 1980-81 per hectare yield was 7.773 tons, which decreased in 1999-2000 and stood at 7.372 tons. While in Punjab, it was 12.337 tons in 1980-81 and in 1999-2000, stood at 12.475 tons.During the last 20 years, area brought under cultivation of the mango crop has nearly doubled, as in 1980-81 mango was cultivated on 57,200 hectares, which went up to 94,100 hectares in 1999-2000. Likewise, production was 5, 466,000 tons in 1980-81 and 937,700 tons in 1999-2000. Punjab has a lead in mango production, as it has doubled its under cultivation area in last 20 years that is from 22,200 hectares in 1980-81, to 48,400 hectares in 1999-2000 and production from 273,900 to 603,800 tons. Sindh is on number two, as it increased under cultivation area from 34,400 to 43,500 hectares and production from 267,400 to 320,700 tons.Growers said that due to ill-conceived official policies, they were unable to attain the required yield potential of this crop and were sustaining huge financial losses. Despite lack of patronage and encouragement from government side in research and other related fields, the over all production of the mango has increased. This indicates a clear growth in demand for this fruit in the market. The growers are bringing more area under cultivation under mango. They are carrying research and experiments to introduce new varieties, as well as carrying research on how best to preserve the old varieties on their own. The experience of Khair Mohammad Bhurgri, a grower from Mirpurkhas is one example, after Kachhelos, who has developed a variety, which will produce fruit that extends the fruiting and harvesting season.Orchards face ‘destruction’ : The persisting water shortage has proved to be destructive for mango orchards. It is feared that there will be less mango production this year. Mango orchards had been without water for the entire pre and post- flowering period and even at the crucial stage of fruit setting the canals in Sindh and southern Punjab remained closed for most of the time. This has resulted in an irreparable loss to mango production. Reports from Tando Allahyar, Matiari and Mirpurkhas suggest that mango trees standing on some 20, 000 acres of land faced destruction due to shortage of water. Trees have been infected with various diseases at the flowering stage. Black, blue, and white fly hyper had attacked the crop, which resulted in falling of flowers. Experts observed that due to persistent shortage of sweet canal water, the underground water table has risen and brackish water has come up that has reduced the resistance of the trees.Mirpurkhas, supposedly a prime mango area is suffering from drought. Reports suggest that out of 8000 acres, only 4000 acres received water once a year, while only 3500 acres received water four times while for achieving good production of fruit 18 waters a year are required. This will result in improvement in size and taste of the fruit. The survey further revealed that on an average, a acre having 36 trees, some 15 trees were empty while 5 had nominal fruit and 16 trees had about 50 per cent fruit It was also observed that because of the shortage of water, fertilizer could not be used. Consequently, the mango trees became weak and affected fruit in quality and quantity both. Such trees produce a fruit of lower quality. It is apprehended that the mango fruit which had emerged as a foreign exchange earner item since last few years will not be exported in required quantity, at the same time, this seasonal juicy fruit will not be available and enjoyed by the poor and middle class people.The problems of mango growers can be easily divided into two major categories; first, pre-harvesting and the second post -harvesting. The first category relates to cultivation, selection of variety, research, usage and availability of water, fertilizers, pesticides etc. The second category is related to picking, handling, grading, storage and marketing. Presently, no guidance is available to the growers for these two categories of pre-harvesting and post-harvesting operations from the government side.In so far as research in government sector is concerned, there is a very pathetic situation. Sindh Horticulture Research Institute in Mirpurkhas announced its newly developed mango variety namely “Mehran”, three years back, but till today it has not been released. The researchers of the institute claim that this variety will give production throughout year. Japan gifted machinery for research on pests of mango. This machinery is rotting at Karachi since the last many years, as it is not being used by the government, nor it is given to growers for the benefit of production.Keeping in view the continuous water shortage, which proved to be destructive to this fruit, the proposed water research institute must promote water technology for its judicious use besides promoting the use of hydrometers to register water needs of trees and feedback to growers in this regard.The unregulated growth of nursery business in itself has encouraged malpractice. There is a need to regulate the nurseries that provide mango plants to discourage plantation of varieties susceptible to various diseases and to impose quality control mechanism. As a first measure in this regard registration of the nurseries is recommended. The registration of nurseries is also required to grow true-to-type fruit. The unregistered nurseries have been frequently supplying lots, having unfavourable genetic characteristic of wrong varieties, which needs to be checked.Most of the mango exporting countries promoted one or two varieties for export. We can follow the strategy to increase our share of mango export in the world market. Some generic and branded insecticides and fungicides are recommended for mango orchards for rationalized use of chemicals according to international requirements. So far, the pesticide firms have been promoting the chemicals left over in their stocks after the cotton season. Most of the pesticides meant for the cotton plant had a very harmful result when sprayed on mangoes. Instead of consulting the pest experts, spray is being conducted by the workers of some pesticide companies.The EPB is paying attention towards mango production since the last three years. There is a need to include growers in foreign delegations. But before sending abroad, the growers should be imparted proper knowledge and training.
IT WAS surprising that we had a short mango season this year. Previously, we had this juicy fruit at least for four months ending September, but this year even in the month of July it seems that the mango season is in the last stage, and will last only for one or two weeks more. There are many issues and constraints, which need to be tackled.The crop covers about 100 thousand hectares of land, mostly in Sindh and southern Punjab. All prize varieties of northern and central India thrive well in Pakistan and are far superior in taste, flavour and other characteristics.After the consumption in Pakistan, mango is exported to other countries. Only five percent of total production is sent to selected markets. Among the traditional buyers, Dubai picks up at least 18000 tons, while Saudi Arabia, Oman and UK are other major importers. On production, the country stands on the sixth number while it covers 7.5 per cent share in the international market. This is a very low share and needs to be increased. According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) sources, the earning from exports of 47000 tons mango was estimated worth $7 million in 1999. It was around $8 million next year. During 2000-2001 Pakistan exported 53443 tons worth $16.54 million showing an increase of 43 per cent over 99-2000. The EPB expects mango exports to rise by 25 per cent during this year. Last year 53444 tons of quality mangoes were exported, thus earning a foreign exchange of $17 million.Last year, Pakistani mangoes fetched more prices in the international market as compared to the previous season. Our mango was sold at the rate of $2.90 per kilograms in 2000, but the price has gone up to $3.83 per kg in year 2001. Some delegations were also sent to Italy, Turkey, Holland, and Germany to explore new markets for angoes and response from these countries was encouraging. In fact, tremendous export opportunities exist for Pakistani mangoes in the Middle East, and Europe, but inefficient and improper post harvest operations have resulted in spoilage of production. It is estimated that the Pakistani farmers are losing about 3.5 million tons of fruit worth $1.5 billion, due to faulty harvesting and post-harvest operations.The farmers are not getting proper guidance, encouragement and marketing, so they are unable to improve their produce in qualitative as well as in quantitative terms. There is also lack of knowledge among the growers about how best to maintain their orchards.Kachhelo farm (Mirpurkhas), known for producing high quality mangoes, has almost been destroyed, because of the continuous water shortage. The size of the fruit has been reduced, and the taste has deteriorated. Previously, it produced “Sindhri” variety which weighed 1800 grams (1.75 kg) per fruit.In Sindh, mango production, is increasing , as more and more land is being brought under cultivation of this crop and over all production is rising. But per hectare yield is not on the increase, and it is less as compared to Punjab. Figures show that in 1980-81 per hectare yield was 7.773 tons, which decreased in 1999-2000 and stood at 7.372 tons. While in Punjab, it was 12.337 tons in 1980-81 and in 1999-2000, stood at 12.475 tons.During the last 20 years, area brought under cultivation of the mango crop has nearly doubled, as in 1980-81 mango was cultivated on 57,200 hectares, which went up to 94,100 hectares in 1999-2000. Likewise, production was 5, 466,000 tons in 1980-81 and 937,700 tons in 1999-2000. Punjab has a lead in mango production, as it has doubled its under cultivation area in last 20 years that is from 22,200 hectares in 1980-81, to 48,400 hectares in 1999-2000 and production from 273,900 to 603,800 tons. Sindh is on number two, as it increased under cultivation area from 34,400 to 43,500 hectares and production from 267,400 to 320,700 tons.Growers said that due to ill-conceived official policies, they were unable to attain the required yield potential of this crop and were sustaining huge financial losses. Despite lack of patronage and encouragement from government side in research and other related fields, the over all production of the mango has increased. This indicates a clear growth in demand for this fruit in the market. The growers are bringing more area under cultivation under mango. They are carrying research and experiments to introduce new varieties, as well as carrying research on how best to preserve the old varieties on their own. The experience of Khair Mohammad Bhurgri, a grower from Mirpurkhas is one example, after Kachhelos, who has developed a variety, which will produce fruit that extends the fruiting and harvesting season.Orchards face ‘destruction’ : The persisting water shortage has proved to be destructive for mango orchards. It is feared that there will be less mango production this year. Mango orchards had been without water for the entire pre and post- flowering period and even at the crucial stage of fruit setting the canals in Sindh and southern Punjab remained closed for most of the time. This has resulted in an irreparable loss to mango production. Reports from Tando Allahyar, Matiari and Mirpurkhas suggest that mango trees standing on some 20, 000 acres of land faced destruction due to shortage of water. Trees have been infected with various diseases at the flowering stage. Black, blue, and white fly hyper had attacked the crop, which resulted in falling of flowers. Experts observed that due to persistent shortage of sweet canal water, the underground water table has risen and brackish water has come up that has reduced the resistance of the trees.Mirpurkhas, supposedly a prime mango area is suffering from drought. Reports suggest that out of 8000 acres, only 4000 acres received water once a year, while only 3500 acres received water four times while for achieving good production of fruit 18 waters a year are required. This will result in improvement in size and taste of the fruit. The survey further revealed that on an average, a acre having 36 trees, some 15 trees were empty while 5 had nominal fruit and 16 trees had about 50 per cent fruit It was also observed that because of the shortage of water, fertilizer could not be used. Consequently, the mango trees became weak and affected fruit in quality and quantity both. Such trees produce a fruit of lower quality. It is apprehended that the mango fruit which had emerged as a foreign exchange earner item since last few years will not be exported in required quantity, at the same time, this seasonal juicy fruit will not be available and enjoyed by the poor and middle class people.The problems of mango growers can be easily divided into two major categories; first, pre-harvesting and the second post -harvesting. The first category relates to cultivation, selection of variety, research, usage and availability of water, fertilizers, pesticides etc. The second category is related to picking, handling, grading, storage and marketing. Presently, no guidance is available to the growers for these two categories of pre-harvesting and post-harvesting operations from the government side.In so far as research in government sector is concerned, there is a very pathetic situation. Sindh Horticulture Research Institute in Mirpurkhas announced its newly developed mango variety namely “Mehran”, three years back, but till today it has not been released. The researchers of the institute claim that this variety will give production throughout year. Japan gifted machinery for research on pests of mango. This machinery is rotting at Karachi since the last many years, as it is not being used by the government, nor it is given to growers for the benefit of production.Keeping in view the continuous water shortage, which proved to be destructive to this fruit, the proposed water research institute must promote water technology for its judicious use besides promoting the use of hydrometers to register water needs of trees and feedback to growers in this regard.The unregulated growth of nursery business in itself has encouraged malpractice. There is a need to regulate the nurseries that provide mango plants to discourage plantation of varieties susceptible to various diseases and to impose quality control mechanism. As a first measure in this regard registration of the nurseries is recommended. The registration of nurseries is also required to grow true-to-type fruit. The unregistered nurseries have been frequently supplying lots, having unfavourable genetic characteristic of wrong varieties, which needs to be checked.Most of the mango exporting countries promoted one or two varieties for export. We can follow the strategy to increase our share of mango export in the world market. Some generic and branded insecticides and fungicides are recommended for mango orchards for rationalized use of chemicals according to international requirements. So far, the pesticide firms have been promoting the chemicals left over in their stocks after the cotton season. Most of the pesticides meant for the cotton plant had a very harmful result when sprayed on mangoes. Instead of consulting the pest experts, spray is being conducted by the workers of some pesticide companies.The EPB is paying attention towards mango production since the last three years. There is a need to include growers in foreign delegations. But before sending abroad, the growers should be imparted proper knowledge and training.
Concern over religious militancy, lawlessness
April 12, 2007
By Sohail Sangi
SINDHI PRESS DIGESTTHE major issues covered by the Sindhi press during the past week were the Lal Masjid standoff in Islamabad and the Saarc summit held in New Delhi.Dailies Koshish and Tameer-i-Sindh, expressing alarm over the fanaticism of Taliban votaries in the federal capital, say if no action is taken against the militants, they will get bold enough to spread their net.“The extremists would then turn the country into a laboratory for trying out their obscurantist ideas,” the Koshish warns.Dailies Ibrat, Awami Awaz and Kawish have editorialised on the Saarc conference. The Awami Awaz praises the Saarc secretariat for conceding that the organisation has failed to achieve its objective of resolution of major issues.The daily says `it is time to analyse the failure’, suggesting that the host country (of the summit) should be made responsible for the implementation of the decisions..The Kawish says the member countries will have to change their attitude for resolution of major disputes.The newspaper also deals with the high incidence of kidnapping for ransom in Sindh, saying the recent wave shows that outlaws enjoy total impunity in the province.The paper cites reports that police are negotiating a deal for the recovery of Omparkash, a boy from Jacobabad, while the case of Abdul Razaq got entangled in a dispute of jurisdiction between two police stations. “It seems that a handful of outlaws are stronger than the state.”The Kawish opposes any deal with the criminals as it entails the grant of `illegal facilities and privileges’. At the same time, the newspaper opposes police operation against dacoits as it has `never yielded results’.Daily Awami Awaz condemns the baton-charge on students of Karachi’s Urdu University, saying that students were agitating merely for the holding of classes regularly. “Education is the right of every citizen and to protest for it is a fundamental right, too.Therefore the use of violence against students is unjustifiable.”The paper writes that the Urdu University incident seems to be of a pattern as `lawyers, journalists and teachers have been facing the wrath of the state recently’.The Awami Awaz feels that there are some police officers who think protests disturb the rulers. “To save their own skin, they feel no compunction in roughing up innocent people agitating for their rights.”The Ibrat, praising the activism shown by the judiciary of late, urges it to reopen the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto case. The paper says this action would allow the state machinery to do some `soul-searching and self-accountability’.The Tameer-i-Sindh terms unrealistic President Pervez Musharaf’s statement about missing activists. The president said in a public meeting last week that almost all the missing persons had gone to Afghanistan for jihad.The paper says these peoplehad been picked up by secret agencies, and were not produced before any court of law. “It is better to avoid such assertions and produce the missing people in court,” the Tameer counsels the president.
By Sohail Sangi
SINDHI PRESS DIGESTTHE major issues covered by the Sindhi press during the past week were the Lal Masjid standoff in Islamabad and the Saarc summit held in New Delhi.Dailies Koshish and Tameer-i-Sindh, expressing alarm over the fanaticism of Taliban votaries in the federal capital, say if no action is taken against the militants, they will get bold enough to spread their net.“The extremists would then turn the country into a laboratory for trying out their obscurantist ideas,” the Koshish warns.Dailies Ibrat, Awami Awaz and Kawish have editorialised on the Saarc conference. The Awami Awaz praises the Saarc secretariat for conceding that the organisation has failed to achieve its objective of resolution of major issues.The daily says `it is time to analyse the failure’, suggesting that the host country (of the summit) should be made responsible for the implementation of the decisions..The Kawish says the member countries will have to change their attitude for resolution of major disputes.The newspaper also deals with the high incidence of kidnapping for ransom in Sindh, saying the recent wave shows that outlaws enjoy total impunity in the province.The paper cites reports that police are negotiating a deal for the recovery of Omparkash, a boy from Jacobabad, while the case of Abdul Razaq got entangled in a dispute of jurisdiction between two police stations. “It seems that a handful of outlaws are stronger than the state.”The Kawish opposes any deal with the criminals as it entails the grant of `illegal facilities and privileges’. At the same time, the newspaper opposes police operation against dacoits as it has `never yielded results’.Daily Awami Awaz condemns the baton-charge on students of Karachi’s Urdu University, saying that students were agitating merely for the holding of classes regularly. “Education is the right of every citizen and to protest for it is a fundamental right, too.Therefore the use of violence against students is unjustifiable.”The paper writes that the Urdu University incident seems to be of a pattern as `lawyers, journalists and teachers have been facing the wrath of the state recently’.The Awami Awaz feels that there are some police officers who think protests disturb the rulers. “To save their own skin, they feel no compunction in roughing up innocent people agitating for their rights.”The Ibrat, praising the activism shown by the judiciary of late, urges it to reopen the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto case. The paper says this action would allow the state machinery to do some `soul-searching and self-accountability’.The Tameer-i-Sindh terms unrealistic President Pervez Musharaf’s statement about missing activists. The president said in a public meeting last week that almost all the missing persons had gone to Afghanistan for jihad.The paper says these peoplehad been picked up by secret agencies, and were not produced before any court of law. “It is better to avoid such assertions and produce the missing people in court,” the Tameer counsels the president.
1940 resolution, Constitution ‘deserve respect’
March 28, 2007
By Sohail Sangi
THE judicial crisis grabbed the attention of the Sindhi press for the second week running.All the major papers editorialised on the interview of President Pervez Musharraf in which he conceded that the government made some mistakes in the handling of the reference against Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.The daily Ibrat writes that to `admit mistakes is a good sign but equally important is its rectification’. While the newspaper welcomes the president’s apology over the attack on the Islamabad office of Geo TV, it says equally important is for the powers that be to ensure that such `mistakes’ are not repeated and the Constitution is given the sanctity it deserves.Daily Awami Awaz, while referring to the 1940 resolution, says its non-implementation led to the dismemberment of Pakistan, warning that `continued disregard’ of the resolution could prove disastrous yet again.Daily Kawish, commenting on the water shortage in Hyderabad, laments that 70 per cent of the population has no access to clean drinking water. The paper recalls that at a recent meeting of the local bodies department, government officials conceded that a majority of the people drink contaminated water, causing water-borne diseases. The Kawish says the situation demands action on war footing Another editorial in the newspaper terms unjust the decision to restrict admission to Karachi’s Dow Medical University to students domiciled in the city. The paper says the decision would mean that no student from the interior of Sindh would get admission to the institution.The Kawish sees the move as part of a conspiracy to widen the ethnic divide in Sindh.The newspaper deplores the increase in transport fares, terming the decision unjustified. The Kawish writes that the latest increase would compound the misery of the poor, coming as it does on recent back-breaking increases in prices of sugar, cement and pulses. “The indifference of the government to the plight of the poor and its claims about prosperity are like rubbing salt into wound,” the daily writes.The daily Koshish has editorialised on the disappearance and death of a minor boy in Padedan, Naushehro Feroze district.The body was found in a drain. The paper says this was not the first incident of its kind in the province, calling upon the administration to shed its `apathy’ and take remedial measures to stop the loss of lives.
By Sohail Sangi
THE judicial crisis grabbed the attention of the Sindhi press for the second week running.All the major papers editorialised on the interview of President Pervez Musharraf in which he conceded that the government made some mistakes in the handling of the reference against Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.The daily Ibrat writes that to `admit mistakes is a good sign but equally important is its rectification’. While the newspaper welcomes the president’s apology over the attack on the Islamabad office of Geo TV, it says equally important is for the powers that be to ensure that such `mistakes’ are not repeated and the Constitution is given the sanctity it deserves.Daily Awami Awaz, while referring to the 1940 resolution, says its non-implementation led to the dismemberment of Pakistan, warning that `continued disregard’ of the resolution could prove disastrous yet again.Daily Kawish, commenting on the water shortage in Hyderabad, laments that 70 per cent of the population has no access to clean drinking water. The paper recalls that at a recent meeting of the local bodies department, government officials conceded that a majority of the people drink contaminated water, causing water-borne diseases. The Kawish says the situation demands action on war footing Another editorial in the newspaper terms unjust the decision to restrict admission to Karachi’s Dow Medical University to students domiciled in the city. The paper says the decision would mean that no student from the interior of Sindh would get admission to the institution.The Kawish sees the move as part of a conspiracy to widen the ethnic divide in Sindh.The newspaper deplores the increase in transport fares, terming the decision unjustified. The Kawish writes that the latest increase would compound the misery of the poor, coming as it does on recent back-breaking increases in prices of sugar, cement and pulses. “The indifference of the government to the plight of the poor and its claims about prosperity are like rubbing salt into wound,” the daily writes.The daily Koshish has editorialised on the disappearance and death of a minor boy in Padedan, Naushehro Feroze district.The body was found in a drain. The paper says this was not the first incident of its kind in the province, calling upon the administration to shed its `apathy’ and take remedial measures to stop the loss of lives.
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