Sustainability in horticultural crop production in the cold dry mountain region of Baluchistan, Pakistan: A mini-review
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Abstract
This review focuses on the specific activities and challenges faced by farmers in the mountainous region of Baluchistan. Being the largest province of the country there are several problems faced by the farmers who are growing horticultural crops. This review will benefit the researchers and farming community to take important steps to resolve the issue of the horticultural crops sector in the highlands of Balochistan. Boosting the promotion and cultivation and horticultural crops in the region will increase the per capita income of the farming community which will improve their financial condition. To support the growth of horticulture in this dry and chilly region, it is crucial to effectively utilize water and other natural resources. Improving accessibility and means of transportation will also aid in development. Efforts must be made to prevent crop losses due to insects/pests and diseases. Post-harvest losses caused by improper handling, storage, and transportation should be controlled through proper handling, provision of cold storage facilities in the area, and proper transportation to access the market timely. Small growers should have access to credit facilities and necessary inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides. Through this review, it is suggested that additional studies as well as necessary and useful measures should be taken to promote sustainable horticultural production and practices in Balochistan.
Keywords: Horticulture; Irrigation; Pest; Pesticide; Post-harvest; Precipitation