USPCAS-W Hosts Final Workshop on “Trees for Salinity” Project at Avari Towers, Karachi
The U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) successfully hosted the Final Workshop under the project “Transformation through Adoption of Trees and Shrubs for Salinity Management in the Southern Indus Basin, Pakistan”, also known as “Trees for Salinity”, at Avari Towers, Karachi.
The workshop brought distinguished guests, researchers, and stakeholders, including Prof. Darren Sinclair, Project Lead, and Prof. Lain Dare from the University of Canberra, Dr. Munawar Raza Kazmi, Country Manager, ACIAR Country Office Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Altaf Siyal, Vice-Chancellor, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tando Jam, Dr Bakhshal Lashari, Professor Emeritus, MUET, Dr. Malik Muhammad Yousaf, Member (C&M), Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Mr. Faizan-ul-Hassan, University of Canberra, Ms. Breerah Fatima, Director, PCRWR, Mr. Nabeel, Assistant Director, PCRWR, Abdul Salam, Regional Director, PCRWR, Tando Jam, Dr. Razaullah, Agriculture University Faisalabad, and Dr. Zakir Hussain Dahiri, Director General, PARC-SARC. Representatives from various organizations and the farming community also attended, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the project.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Kamran Ansari, Director of USPCAS-W, stated, “Today marks a significant milestone in our ‘Trees for Salinity’ project. Our research aimed to complement Pakistan’s efforts in managing salinity by identifying local tree and shrub species that deliver multiple benefits in the context of a changing climate. Since the Inception Workshop in July 2024 at Mehran University, Jamshoro, we’ve worked tirelessly over the past 11 months to produce knowledge products like reports, policy briefs, and databases. As we conclude this project, we are building a legacy of knowledge and solutions for a prosperous Pakistan.”
The workshop featured presentations on the project’s key findings and showcased innovative knowledge products. A major highlight was the launch of the “Trees for Salinity” Mobile and Web Application, presented by Mr. Naeem Dal, IT Specialist, Software Application Unit, USPCAS-W, Mehran UET. The app empowers farmers and researchers in Sindh and Punjab with science-based tools to combat soil salinity and promote sustainable agriculture.
“With the ‘Trees for Salinity App’, you’re not just planting trees—you’re planting hope, sustainability, and prosperity,” said Mr. Dal.
The application is now available on the Google Play Store and the web, providing practical solutions to enhance resilience and boost agricultural productivity.
USPCAS-W extends heartfelt gratitude to all researchers, partners, and stakeholders for their dedication and contributions to the Trees for Salinity project. Together, we are creating a sustainable future for the Southern Indus Basin.
Download the Trees for Salinity App today and join us in transforming agriculture in Pakistan!
