Pakistan is planning a Rs1.28bn development initiative in the Thar desert aimed at transforming livestock and arid agriculture, with a focus on boosting productivity, strengthening livelihoods and building climate resilience.

The proposed project, 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 Umerkot. The five-year programme is scheduled to run from July 2026 to June 2031, covering Umerkot district and 30 union councils in Tharparkar.

The initiative seeks to promote agricultural innovation, livestock genetic improvement and disease control systems, alongside sustainable management of land and water resources. Technology transfer to farming communities is a central component, including the use of modern diagnostics, genotyping and radio frequency identification systems.

Officials say the programme will particularly target low-income communities in the Thar region, aiming to reduce poverty and strengthen livelihoods. More than 2,000 farmers are expected to receive training under capacity-building efforts.

Environmental measures form a key pillar of the plan. These include afforestation, arid horticulture and rainwater recharge systems, designed to improve resilience in desert ecosystems. The project also proposes establishing livestock and horticulture research facilities at Umerkot to support productivity and innovation.

Infrastructure development is another major component. Around 180 acres of wasteland will be converted into productive land, while new facilities for soil, water and plant analysis, as well as livestock services and biotechnology laboratories, will be developed.

The programme also aims to promote value addition for exports through initiatives such as dehydration plants and processing of dried vegetables and Ber. Enhanced advisory services and improved fertiliser recommendations are expected to raise crop productivity by 30-35%.

Aligned with national development frameworks and international goals, the project reflects a broader effort to integrate research, technology and community engagement to revitalise agriculture in arid regions.