Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies - CIDS

Seed Broadcast in Cholistan Desert to Restore Indigenous Desert Biodiversity

Houbara Foundation International Pakistan (HFIP), in collaboration with the Pakistan Army and The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), has successfully conducted an aerial and manual seed broadcast of indigenous desert plant species (Beri, kikar, jand, peelu, lathia, phel, damasa, karir, dhaman, sewan etc) in the Cholistan Desert. This annual initiative is part of ongoing efforts to restore and enrich the degrading habitat of the region, which is home to unique and diverse fauna & flora.
The activity was carried out under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies (CIDS) and HFIP. This partnership is dedicated to the exploration, conservation, and restoration of biodiversity across the Cholistan Desert.
Throughout the year, CIDS and HFIP collaborate on the collection of seeds from native plant species. These seeds are used for multiple purposes, including the establishment of desert plant nurseries, research support, and large-scale seed broadcast across various desert sites.
This seed broadcast will definitely restore the native desert vegetation, wildlife & livestock feed and will promote the socioeconomic of the local community and this region.
Dr. Muhammad Abdullah, Director CIDS, participated in the activity and commended the dedicated conservation efforts of the Houbara Foundation International Pakistan and the Pakistan Army. Further Major (R) Tahir Majeed representative of HFIP emphasized the importance of such initiatives in preserving the ecological balance and biodiversity of the Cholistan Desert. Engr. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran, Vice Chancellor IUB; and Prof. Dr Tanveer Hussain Turabi, Dean-FA&E appreciated the such field based preservation missions to protect and restore the nature especially the role of HFIP and Pak Army.

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Dear All,

Greetings from Agri Community College (ACC),
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ACC has started Diploma in Agricultural Sciences (DAS), 03 years Diploma that is equivalent to Intermediate (FSc) and applicants with Martic with Science (45% Marks) can apply for this opportunity (The last date to apply is 30 June, 2025) for Admission Fall 2025.

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Media coverage of Native Seed Bank collection activities of Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies - CIDS and Houbara Foundation International Pakistan from Cholistan desert. Thank you Director PR-IUB Shahzad Ahmed.

"Native Seed Collection from the Cholistan Desert Pakistan"
The Cholistan Desert is a unique arid area of Pakistan, with a remarkable ecological significance and rich Biodiversity. Despite its harsh climatic conditions, it is home to a variety of native wild plants (trees, shrubs, herbs & grasses) which are matchlessly adapted to this desert. The collection of native wild seeds from this region is crucial for conservation and restoration, and ecological sustainability. For this a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies (CIDS), The Islamia University of Bahawalpur and Houbara Foundation International Pakistan for conserving the indigenous desert Biodiversity. This joint effort of CIDS and HFIP for Native Plants Seed Bank not only safeguards the ecological balance but also contributes for conserving the desert vegetation.
For this purpose CIDS researcher, students and other supporting staff are working to establish the seed bank of indigenous plants of Cholistan. The purpose of seed bank is to protect the diverse plant species that thrive in this unique harsh ecosystem and to preserve them from the threat of climate change, habitat loss, and other anthropogenic factors. By systematically collecting, storing, and preserving native seeds, we can ensure the survival of these plants for future generations. This effort is crucial for propagation and multiplication, providing a repository of genetic diversity of plants that can be used for ecological restoration. Through the establishment of a seed bank, we can protect the natural heritage of the Cholistan Desert and enhance its resilience against environmental challenges. For this purpose the support from HFIP and ALP PARC is highly acknowledged. Director CIDS, Dr. Muhammad Abdullah has briefed that these joint programs for conservation and restoration are highly commendable to address the pressing challenges faced by the Cholistan Desert.

Arid Zone Research Institute Bahawalpur (PARC) organised a National seminar on the "Productivity enhancement of marginally low productive arid lands through innovative research interventions". Director CIDS and his team participated and briefed them about the Natural resources of the Cholistan Desert. Thanksgiving and Congratulations to Director AZRI Dr. Malik Muhammad Yousaf and his research team for organising this session.

Mr. Osamu Yasuno, Technical Advisor for Pakistan from JICA, Japan International Cooperation Agency and Dr. Ghani Akbar PSO, Climate Energy & Water Research Institute (CEWRI) National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) visited the Faculty of Agriculture & Environment and Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies (CIDS) The Islamia University of Bahawalpur Pakistan. Dean FA&E Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain Turabi welcomed and briefed the delegation about academic and research activities. Dr. Malik Muhammad Yousaf Sr. Director AZRI-PARC also joined this meeting. Later Director CIDS Dr. Muhammad Abdullah and his team Dr. Liaqat Ali (Horticulturist), Dr. Zahid Ihsan (Agronomist), Dr. Shahid Rizwan (Soil scientist), Dr. Qaiser Shakeel (Plant Pathologist), Dr. Waseem Ahmed (Nano Sciences), Dr Hamid Nawaz (Agronomist), and Engr. Muhammad Usama Bin Riaz (Agriculture Engineer) welcomed the Japanese delegates with a comprehensive overview of the Institute’s current Research activities. Dr. Abdullah highlighted the Institute’s dedication to sustainable desert agriculture, water resource management, and Biodiversity conservation in the Cholistan Desert. This visit, aimed at fostering international collaboration and sharing innovative research methodologies, marks a significant milestone in CIDS’s ongoing commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by desert regions.

A delegation under the supervision of Dr. Javed Iqbal from the Department of Forestry, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Dir U, KPK visited the Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies - CIDS . Director CIDS Dr. Muhammad Abdullah and his team welcomed the delegates and briefed them about the ongoing projects and research activities of the Institute especially about the Biodiversity of Cholistan Desert.