Gypsum marketing in Pakistan - its problems and prospectus
2001
Rafiq, M. (Pakistan Agriculture Supplies and Services, Lahore (Pakistan))
Salinity and/or sodicity are the major problems being faced by our agriculture, Huge amount in billions was spent on different reclamation projects but reasonable results were never achieved. Engineers thought that installation of tubewells and digging of drains was the only solution to control salinity/sodicity, which no doubt lowered water table but severity of salt remained as such and in some cases, these tubewell waters further intensified the salinity problem. Keeping the importance and severity of the problem in view, Government of Pakistan supplied gypsum on subsidized rates but this facility was availed only by a limited and resourceful group of farmers. The gypsum product was supplied on very cheaper rates but was of poor quality resulting in adverse effects on soil. Subsidy was withdrawn at later stages which became an obstacle in the agricultural use of gypsum. Education part of gypsum efficiency other than reclamation was never explained in detail to the farmers. Soil problems of normal lands would have never increased if good quality products were recommended for marginal waters and soils. Mostly the growers had understanding to use gypsum only on seriously sick/deteriorated soils. In Pakistan, farmers mostly use it for reclaiming sodic and or saline-sodic soils. With the advancement in technology/information, now scientists call gypsum as a fertilizer also. Problems and prospects of gypsum use in agriculture of Pakistan have been discussed in the paper.
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