Pakistan, IAEA agree to cooperate for converting deserts into green land
Regional, Environment, 3/29/2001

Pakistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed to cooperate on a plan to cultivate salt tolerant crops, trees and fodder grass on the 5,000 acres saline and water-logged land in the country, which will convert the white land (deserts) into green within a few years.

Pakistani news agency "APP" reports quoting minister for food, agriculture and livestock, salinity and water logging is the major problem faced by the country and is having adverse impact on agriculture.

The Pakistani official who was meeting IAEA deputy-director general for technical cooperation, Quain Jihui, added using saline water for the growth of trees, crops and fodder grass will go a long way in converting the deserts into green lands.

The Minister said the project of using saline water and saline and water-logged land for growing forests, and crops will have a far reaching impact on the ecological environment of the country which also facing water shortage.

He added the IAEA's cooperation will help a lot to disseminate the information and educate farmers regarding the use of modern technology and the advancements in the field of agriculture.

Quain Jihui said that IAEA is launching the second phase of Inter-Regional Technical Cooperation Project in eight countries with special focus on Pakistan and Morocco, who will render their technical expertise and advice to rest of the countries.

He said that in order to turn deserts and waste land into green pastures, IAEA will give aid to farmers through government agencies to produce more economic variety of crops, plants and seeds.

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