Introduction of GPS/GIS and other Technologies in Research: A progress report submitted to Ministry of Labor in Islamabad

 

 

By

Dr. Adam Khan, Associate Professor of Agronomy,

State University of New York, College of Agriculture and Technology

At Morrisville (Morrisville State College),

Ex patriot Pakistani Consultant at Gomal University, D. I. Khan

(A progress report)

Date of Assignment:  June 9, 2007 through July 7, 2007 (04 weeks)

Dr. Adam Khan’s bio data:

The author of this report, Dr. Adam Khan, has taught in the U.S academic institutions for more than 27 years (14 years at Missouri Western State University and more than 13 years at State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville (also known as Morrisville State College).  He was professor of Agronomy at Missouri Western State University and currently works as an Associate Professor at Morrisville State College.  Dr Khan is also a Certified Crop Advisor, Certified Technical Services Provider, and Provisionally Certified Agricultural Environmental Management Planner for the state of New York.

 

Dr. Khan’s brief bio data is as follows:

• Post Doc. (1977 - 1979), University of Illinois
• Ph.D.- Agronomy: 1977, Colorado State University
• More than 27 years of teaching experience  beyond Ph.D. in U.S. academic institutions
• Professor of Agronomy and tenured at Missouri Western State College (14 years)
• Associate Professor of Agronomy and tenured at SUNY Morrisville: 13 years
• Outstanding academic advisor award, NISOD award, and Faculty member of the year award at SUNY
•  Burlington Northern Foundation's Faculty Achievement Award, and Jesse Lee Myer's Excellence in Teaching Awards at MWSU:
• Chair Department of Ag. Sci., Dairy and Ag. Bus. at State University of New York at Morrisville (1998 - 2006):
• Reviewed the 2006 edition of the text book: Principle of Field Crop Production by Martin, Waldren, and Stamp, a major text book used in Land Grant Universities in the U.S. Other 2 reviewers include Dunphy of North Carolina State Univ. and Wong of California Polytechnic State University.
• Reviewed the 2007 edition of Soil Science and Management text book by Ed. Plaster published by Delmar Publishing Company.
• Authored 2 books which were originally published by Burgess publishing company and then recently by Pearson publishing company. 
• Wrote CAFO plan for SUNY Morrisville Dairy operation (311 pages) and received its approval from the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee.
• Wrote CNMP of Mower farm - in 2005 (100 pages)
• Received certification as CCA and also as provisionally certified AEM Planner in New York.
• Number of refereed research publications: 17, research/Extension Bulletins:  29, papers presented at ASA meetings (Abstracts): 28
• Number of progress Reports and farm plans: 17, farm Project Reports:  13
• Developed web based instructional material on webct and topclass for 6 courses

Acknowledgements:

I express my special thanks to Dr. Muhammad Qasim for providing me the facility and excellent hospitality to pursue my projects at Gomal University. I want to also thank Dr. Farid Khan, vice chancellor, for his support during my my stay at Gomal Univeristy.

Thanks are also due to Mr. Sadaqat Shah for the office support and to the chairs of various departments (Dr. Rem Din Khan, Dr. Hajee Himayat ullah, Dr. Said Meer Khan, Dr. Saleem Jeelani) for providing the information to acquaint me about their facilities at the university.   My special gratitude goes to great faculty members (Mohibullah Khan, Jameel Khan, Imdad ullah, Mehwish, Azam Khan, an d Khalid Usman) and Dr Shareef Zia (an eminent scholar), fro their support.  I want to also thank Mr. Saqib, Mr. Zaidi, and Mr. Mazhar at IT department for providing computer support and Mr. Ayaz Khan, the controller of Examination for his friendship.    Last but not the least, I want to thank Mr. Niamatullah Khan for his support in writing the fish project and my nephew, Hayat Ali Shah, district and sessions judge, Abbott Abad for providing facility to prepare this report.       

 

I. Introduction:

 

Gomal University is located on Multan Road, about 16 kilometers south from Dera Ismail Khan.  The university is located on 550 hectares (1358.5 acres or 11,000 kinals).  The crop land consists of about 8,000 kinals (400 hectares or 988 acres) and is divided into the following 3 leased out parcels:

Leased out land - parcel 1 = 42.8 ha (856 kinals or 105.7 acres)

Leased out land - parcel 2 = 48.1 ha (962 kinals or 118.8 acres)

Leased out land - parcel 3 = 251.4 ha (5028 kinals or 621 acres)

The land that is self cultivated (not leased out) is 29.6 ha (73.1 acres or 592 kinals.) 

The land assigned for student research is 10.9 ha (218 kinals or 27 acres). 

Additional land for agronomy and soil science research is 11 ha (220 kinals or 27 acres). Wheat and rice are 2 major crops currently being rotated.  Only 1/3^rd of the acreage is planted in rice under rice wheat rotation whereas the other 2/3^rd acreage is planted under wheat only. There are few date palm trees that successfully grow on the campus.  

 

Leased out land (parcel 3) on the south side of the campus (621 acres) is assigned for proposed date palm research and commercial production center.  The leased land parcel 1 (105.7 acres) and self cultivated land on the north west side of the campus (73.1 acres) are assigned for proposed project on fish culture research and commercial production center.

 

For locating each parcel of the land on a map, the digital imagery of the campus is attached in appendix 1.

 

The campus assigned for residential blocks, administration, departments, hostels and lawns is located on 3000 kinals (150 ha or 370.5 acres). From satellite imagery the campus appears to be well designed and is divided into 3 columns or rows:

1. residential area
2. administration and academic buildings, and
3. hostels (dorms) 

When you enter the campus from Multan road, the first building to the left is women hostel and attached to the hostel is vice chancellor’s residence and guest house.  When you enter from the university road into the administrative and academic column, you see beautiful A.Q. Khan Auditorium and then administrative annex where vice chancellor (CEO) and his administrative staff are located.  Across from the annex is beautiful mosque (also called Jamia Masjid).  The faculty of Agriculture (which will be equivalent to college of Agriculture in the U.S.) is located close to a cross (called Allah wala choke). Allah Wala choke is also visible from the satellite imagery.

 

Faculty of agriculture has wonderful teaching/research staff who work under the able leadership of Dr. Muhammad Qasim Khan, Dean Faculty of Agriculture.  The friendly attitude and hospitality of professors and department chairs was instrumental for me to accomplish my goals.  They are such a nice people that they have always made me feel at home.

I also want to specifically note that the purpose of he assignment as stated in the job description was fully achieved.

 

II. Suggestions/ recommendations:

 

Based on my knowledge and interviews with faculty members, I would like to recommend the following:

1. A new building for the faculty of Agriculture should be constructed. The faculty was shifted from city campus to the liberal arts buildings of the new campus and therefore lacked functional lab facilities. 
2. The job of web page designer (Mr. Saqib) should be full time.  In the U.S. the web page designers on university campuses are generally full time.  To make a good quality web page and maintaining that page requires a lot of hours of hard work.  Good quality of web page is necessary for the good image of a campus and web page is also very useful source of information for faculty, staff, students, incoming students, and public.
3. Every building on the campus needs to be connected with fiber optics wires and broad band connection for internet and e-mail connection.  Each faculty needs to have a computer or easy access to a computer where he/she can contact each other on internet or access internet search engines.
4. Web ct software should be installed in the campus where each faculty can upload their teaching material and the students have access to the web page.  This will improve the teaching significantly.
5. The campus community should work on campus beautification by making the lawns green, mowed with gas engine lawn mowers, no garbage on road side visible to public, mowing grass on barren land where possible.

 

I want to also point out that the administration, faculty, and staff are very dedicated and hard working people, however, they need funds to implement above recommendation/suggestions.

 

III. Accomplishment of assigned items stated in the job description

 

The following report includes my accomplishments during my 4 weeks stay at Gomal University. 

 

1. Joint research items that will improve local economy and raise standard of living  of farmers:

I have co-written the concept documents on the following 2 grant proposals on research, development, and commercial production that are highly suitable for the area served by Gomal University. These projects include:

1. Date Palm Research and commercial production center (DPR and CPC) at Gomal University, D. I. Khan:  This proposal will bring 152.75 millions rupees – about 2.5 million dollars grant money to establish a Date Palm research and commercial production center at Gomal University. Based on climate and soil conditions, Date Palm is the most appropriate crop for D. I. Khan area. This project once completed will bring 186 – 372 million rupees to the university and may bring about 3.7 billion rupees to the region.

 

2. Fish culture research and commercial production center:  This proposal will bring about 90 million rupees (about 1.5 million dollars) grant money to establish the center.   The center once established will have annual gross income of 27 million rupees per year.  In at least 5 years the center will cover its cost of establishment and then start making money for the university.  The center will also be instrumental in generating several billion rupees or income for farmers.

 

 

2. Protection of soil as a natural resource:  The fields at Gomal University are flat (zero percent slope) and therefore, there is no loss of soil due to water erosion.  The soils appear to be high in expanding clays (montmorillonite) and therefore pose problems of poor drainage and expansion and contraction.  The places where there is standing water, rice becomes the crop of choice.  Wheat also appears to grow real well at the campus.  Mostly there is wheat/rice rotation.

  3.     Introduction of Global Position System (GPS) and Geographic Information  (GIS) in nutrient management at Gomal University:

Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology

The crop production system that is environmentally sound yet profitable requires precision. The use of GPS in precision farming is becoming more common. Its use in measuring accurate acreage, locating less fertile areas in a field, and application of variable rates of fertilizer in a field are already getting attention. The following discussion describes GPS technology.

What is a GPS?

It is a satellite based navigation system. The Global Positioning System determines the accurate location of a point (in latitudes and longitudes) on earth. GPS is based on 24 space vehicles (SV's) or satellites orbiting the earth. It uses the following concepts:

Triangulation from satellites

To triangulate, the GPS measures the time it takes for a signal from satellite to a point on earth. Using this time, the distance from satellite to a point on earth is computed.

Distance = time (sec) x 186,000 miles/second

To measure time, GPS requires very accurate clocks. The clocks on satellites are based on atomic oscillations. There are four clocks on each satellite and each clock is worth $100,000.

We need to know where the satellite is in space.

As the GPS signal travels through ionosphere (80-120 miles) and atmosphere (water vapors), it is delayed.

Triangulation

GPS is based on satellite ranging where we determine our position on earth by measuring our distance from a group of satellites, about 10,900 miles away from earth. In order to understand triangulation, let us assume that a satellite is in the center of an imaginary sphere and is transmitting signals in all directions. Two imaginary spheres (of two satellites) will intersect at several points. Three imaginary spheres will intersect at two points, one of the points will be on earth and the other point will be in space. Four imaginary spheres of four satellites will intersect on only one point on earth. According to trigonometry, we really need four satellite ranges to unambiguously locate our self on earth.

Measuring Distance From a Satellite

To measure the distance from the satellite we multiply the velocity of light with the time it takes for the signal to reach earth.

Distance (miles) = 186,000 miles/sec x t(sec). For example, it will take 0.06 seconds for a signal to reach earth from a satellite at 12,000 miles away from earth. Very precise electronic clocks are nowadays relatively inexpensive. Most receivers can measure time with nanosecond accuracy.

In order to measure the length of time a signal would take to reach earth, we synchronize the satellites and receivers such that they generate the same code at exactly the same time. Once we receive the code, then we look back and see when the receiver generated the same code. The time difference will tell how long it took for the signal to reach earth. The signals are pseudo random codes which are complicated and repeated every millisecond.

Clocks in Satellites and in Receivers

The clocks in satellites are atomic clocks which run on oscillation of an atom. They are extremely precise. The clocks in receivers are not as precise. In order to offset this inaccuracy, we get an extra satellite range measurement. According to trigonometry 3 perfect range measurements locate a point in three-dimensional space. Four imperfect measurements can eliminate any timing offset (as long as the offset is consistent). The ranges which contain timing errors are called pseudo ranges.. If the four spheres do not intersect at a single point, then the computer in the receiver pursues a series of trims from the ranges until they intersect at a single point. This is how the time offset is corrected. For real time position measurements, we need a four-channel receiver (at least) so that one channel is assigned each satellite.

Knowing Satellite Position in Space

High altitude (about 11,000 miles) of satellites keep them clear from earth's atmosphere and, therefore, the predictions of their orbits will be very accurate. The air force injects each satellite into a very precise orbit and some receivers have almanacs which precisely tell where the satellites will be. Each satellite goes around the earth once every 12 hours. The department of defense measures their altitude, position, and speed when they pass over a specific designated location on earth. The DOD looks for variations in position, speed, and altitude. These variations are called Ephemeris errors which are caused by gravitational pulls from moon, sun, and by the pressure of solar radiations. These variations (errors) which are minor are constantly relayed to satellites and the satellites relay back to earth along with their timing information. GPS satellites also transmit data about their health and orbital location.

Ionosphere and Atmosphere

Ionosphere and water vapors in atmosphere delay signals coming to earth from the satellites. Ionosphere is a blanket of charged particles 80-120 miles above earth. When light travels through ionosphere, its velocity decreases at a rate inversely proportional to its frequency squared (-Vtime = -1/ V² time ) only the most advanced, dual frequency receivers have the ability to correct this type of error. They are called the "ionosphere-free solution."

Similarly, water vapors decrease the velocity of light (signal) but there is no way to correct this error. The magnitude of this error is equal to the width of a street.

Receiver Errors

The receivers sometimes may round off a mathematical operation or an electrical interference might cause an error in correlation of pseudo-random codes.

Multi path Errors

When the signals from satellites bound around from adjacent objects and then reach our antenna, they cause errors called multi path errors.

Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP)

The accuracy of data depends on which satellites we use. If two satellites are close to each other, then we get dilution of precisions and the error is magnified. The wider are the angles among satellites the better will be the measurements. Good receivers have the ability to choose four best satellites.

Selective Availability

Using an operational mode, SA (selective availability), the department of defense purposely degrades the accuracy of GPS. It is generally the largest component of error, if implemented.

Pseudo Random Codes

The pseudo random codes allow a receiver to figure out a time difference between itself and the satellites. GPS signals are very low power and can be received by antennas a few inches above earth. We know the patterns of Pseudo Random codes. If we divide the signals into time periods (chips) and compare our satellite signals with the inherent earth's background radio signals, or receivers signals with earth's background radio signals, only 50% of the time the chips will match and 50% of the time they would not. However, if we slide the satellite's codes back until they match with our receiver's codes, we will get a lot more matches. Further, the matches will amplify over a longer time span. There is very little information in GPS signals. They are simple timing marks.

C/A (Course Acquisition) Code and P (Precise or Protected) Code

There are two types of Pseudo Random codes:

C/A code: it is used by civilians and has lower frequency than P code.

P code: this code can be encrypted such that only military will have access to it. In addition, it is impossible to jam P code. Traditionally, the P code which is superimposed on a carrier that is ten times the frequency of a C/A carrier. Using S/A operational mode the DOD can even degrade the accuracy of S/A code. In case of S/A (selective availability) the DOD creates artificial clock error in the satellites. It is the largest source of error in the GPS system. Each satellite has its own distinct pseudo-random code.

Differential GPS

A receiver placed at a given (known) location (base station) calculates total error in satellite range. This error is then used to correct the locations measured by the other receivers (rover units) in the same locations. Since satellites are about 10,900 miles altitude, therefore, the error of base station will be identical to the errors of rover units.

Receivers

There are two types of receivers:

Sequencing receivers: these are one or two channels and are generally used for recreation purposes.

Continuous receivers: they are often used for surveying and scientific purposes. They generally have 4,6,8,10, & 12 channels. They eliminate the GDOP problems.

How to use GIS software

Geographic Information System software that was developed by ESRI Inc. is used in managing the data in map forms in different layers.  The arc view 3.3 is used as follows:

·         Click on “arc view GIS 3.3” icon

·         Put “.” On “with a new views”

·         Click “yes” to add data

·         Select the drive where the data is and also the folder and the file.

·         Select “image data source”

·         Highlight the file and then press O.K.

·         On the left side check mark “the file” to make it active.

·         Click on “view” and then “properties”  and then select the map units = “meters”  and also the distance units as “meter”

·         You can also choose the scale. You can select the scale to enlarge the map or make it smaller

·         To measure the area in square meters, you need to click on “period” and then the icon to measure the area.

Introduction of GPS and GIS at Gomal University

 

I have introduced the global positioning system (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS), new state of the art technologies, as research tools at Gomal University.  A Ph.D. student is currently using GIS and digital imagery in his research. Using GIS and dignitary imagery of D. I. Khan city, he has drawn boundaries of his sampling sites. Then using paint program he can color code each crop and waste water that is used to provide nutrients to the crops.  The example of his sites on GIS map is attached in appendix 2. 

At my suggestion the faculty of agriculture has put together budget to purchase GIS software and GPS unit. About 2 faculty in soil science are trained enough to use both GIS and GPS in nutrient management research.  

To develop digital imagery of Gomal University and D.I Khan City, I pursued the following tasks:

·         Received (at no cost) the digital imagery data for Gomal University from Digital Globe Inc. (in the U.S.). Its actual cost is $500.00, however, I was able to get it free.  I express my special thanks to Mr. Brad Tomassee, for donating the data free of charge.

·         Also received the digital imagery data of Dera Ismaeel Khan (worth $500) from Digital Globe for free. Again my special thanks to Mr. Tomassee.

·         Using the GIS software I developed the maps of new campus and also D. I. Khan City (the maps are attached in the appendix).

·         I exported the GIS maps to JPG format and copied all the JPG files on CD and gave copies of the CD to selected faculty and staff for their use. 

 

4.      Yield and quality improvement: Once our project on Date Palm Production is approved then we will identify the factors that will increase yield and quality of dates that are commonly grown in the area.  The average soil test values for Gomal University fields are as follows:

Soil test	value	Unit	extractant
pH	8.2
EC	1100	m.mohs/cm
Ca and Mg	12.1	Me/liter	NH4OAC
chlorides	4.3	Me/l
HCO3	0.88	Me/l
O.M	0.16	%
Total N	0.008	%
P	2.00	Lbs/A	NaHCO3
K	224	Lbs/A	NH4OAC
Na	64	Lbs/A	NH4OAC
Zn	0.525	PPM	NH4EDTA
Fe	7.509	PPM	NH4EDTA
Mn	12.56	PPM	NH4EDTA
Cu	0.050	PPM	NH4EDTA
CEC	14.7	Me/100 g

 

The average wheat or rice yield at the farm is about 2 tons /ha or 30 bushels per acre. In the U.S. the wheat yield has been increased to close to 80 bushels per acre and about 60 bushels per acre is achievable. To improve the yield and quality of grains, the following recommendations are made:

a.      Soil test on each acre may be conducted once every 3 years and fertilizer recommendations should be made based on correlation study pursued at Gomal University. Gomal University needs to establish a functional soil testing lab and some land needs to be assigned to carry out correlation studies for fertilizer recommendation.

b.      Organic matter needs to be raised because 0.1 percent organic matter appears to be too low for crop production.

c.       Since the faculty of agriculture has been shifted to the new campus from old campus only 9 months ago, therefore, they did not have enough time to develop the farm facility. However, it is assumed that they may be able to establish their farm in next few years and raise the yield and quality of wheat and rice.

d.      Since Date palm is the most suitable fruit tree for D.I. Khan eco system and therefore its commercial production will be most appropriate. A project on this fruit tree production is most appropriate.

e.       Fish farming also appears to be most suitable for the type of soil at Gomal University and therefore, commercial production of fish is also most suitable for this area.

 

5.      CNMP:

one student has been trained in comprehensive nutrient management.

 

6.      GIS and GPS maps of Gomal university farm:  I have developed GPS/GIS maps of the experimental sites commonly used by Gomal University faculty and graduate students and also the rest of the crop land leased to local farmers.  I have also developed GPS/GIS maps of the rest of the farm land that will be potentially used for experiments in future.  The GIS maps are attached in appendix. Since GPS equipment is not purchased yet, therefore no GPS maps were developed. However, I have helped Dr. Jameel in purchasing the GPS equipment and GIS software. Selected faculty are trained enough to run the software.

 

7.      AEM Plan of Gomal University Farm:

The AEM plan of Gomal University is already in place.  The land is flat (zero percent slope) and therefore there is not soil erosion and thus nutrient loss to the state water system.  There is no animal feeding operation at the campus and therefore it is not a point source of pollution.  Most of the farm land is rented to local farmers who are very conservative in applying fertilizers to their crop land.

 

IV. Accomplishment of tasks not mentioned in the job description:

 

 

1. Served as foreign advisor to Mr. Rehm Din Khan during his defense. I asked several technical questions from Dr. Rehm Din Khan and he successfully and correctly answered every question.  Based on my judgment, I gave passing grade to Dr. Khan during his defense and made recommendation that he should be granted a Ph.D.

 

2.      Co-Advising graduate students                                                                            

I have already started co advising Imdad Ullah Khan along with Dr. Qasim and Dr. Sharif Zia (an Eminent scholar).  I will help Mr. Imdad Ullah  through electronic means from U.S. also.  I helped him develop GIS maps of his sampling sites and suggested procedures on collecting samples.

 

3.      Joint article:

Co wrote a paper where Dr. Sharif Zia is senior author, Dr. Qasim second author, I am  the 3^rd author, Dr. Jameel 4^th and Mehwish 5^th author.

 

4. Worked on university web page. 

I met with Mr. Saqib, the web page designer, and helped him put GIS maps of the new campus, city campus, and D. I. Khan city also.   The new maps can be viewed on the Gomal University official web page.

 

5.      Wrote text book on “Introduction to soil physics, genesis, and classification”:

I wrote a text book on “Introduction to soil physics, genesis, and classification” where I am the senior author and Dr. Qasim is the second author.  The text is 161 pages long and is submitted to Higher Education Commission for publication. 

Appendix

 

 

 

 

Concept Paper # 1

 

                         Project Title:   DATE PALM RESEARCH AND COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION CENTRE (DPR & CPC), GOMAL UNIVERSITY, DERA ISMAIL KHAN 

Authorities:

 

1.    Sponsoring  Agency:                    Higher Education Commission, Islamabad

2.    Executing Agency:                        Gomal University, D. I. Khan.

3.    Operation and maintenance Agency:    Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, D.I. Khan

                                                                             

Rationale:

The Establishment of Date Palm Research and Commercial Production Center will provide an opportunity for teaching, research, commercial production, processing, and packaging set-up including pilot laboratories for dissemination of knowledge as well as providing facilities for commercial exploitation of Dates in general and Dhakki date in particular. Besides teaching and research the station will be a good source of income.  With the production plan of  planting dates in about 620 acres land available at the campus, assuming 3 -6 tons yield per acre and Rs 100 market price per Kilogram, the total income from the project area after 5 years is expected to be Rs 186 - 372 millions/ year. In addition, the station will also be very instrumental in improving local economy significantly. The set-up in brief will include:

·                     Establishment of Commercial Date Palm Orchards

·                     Infrastructures

·                     Green Houses and Warehouses

·                     Cold Storage Facilities

·                     Date Palm Processing  Line

·                     Date Palm Packaging Line

·                     Water supply

·                     Quality control labs

·                     Demonstration Labs

·                     Analytical Labs

·                     Research Labs

·                     Class rooms

·                     Offices

·                     Utilities

1.           Brief Introduction

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) production plays and important and vital role in raising the standard of living of farmers in the country as a whole and D. I. Khan in particular. The advantages from the date palm production are manifold. It is one of the nutritious foods providing some very essential nutrients and quick energy. It also provides shelters and many household utilities and allows many other crops to be cropped in without any chloregenic effect. It is a cash crop and livelihood of many of our countrymen is involved with this religiously sacred tree. The date is exported to many countries earning considerable amount of cash in terms of foreign exchange besides introducing Pakistan as the 4^th largest in terms of Dates production - over11%. The date palm is regarded a virtue and lifesaver as well as contributing significantly towards our development and prosperity particularly to those living in D. I. Khan, Bannu and surroundings of the backward region.

             

              The total cultivated area of all type of dates in Pakistan exceeds 78.1 thousand hectares with its estimated annual production over 630 thousand tons. According to FAO, Pakistan is 4^th largest date producing country exporting dried dates worth Rs.1.068 billion annually. Cultivation of dates in NWFP is over 1000 hectares with 6700 tons production, and more than 50 % of the total province share is contributed by Dera Ismail Khan. Production is highly likely to increase rapidly due to the availability of water to a large area of Dera Ismail Khan due to CRBC. This will make the whole area environmentally friendly and suitable for the growth of Date Palm.

             

              Besides having several other commercially important date cultivars, Dhakki is the most promising local variety of Dera Ismail Khan.  About 60 % of the total production is furnished by this cultivar and there is continuous increase in its production. In fact, it is amongst the top few world-leading cultivars and was recognized in the recently held 4^th International Symposium on Date Palm at Dhammam, Saudi Arabia (May 5-8, 2007).. Dhakki date has fruits of choice and is market oriented. The fruits possess large size (4-5 cm long and 2-3 cm thick),  weighs 20-25 g / fruit, are very fine texture with exceptionally high flesh / stone ratio (96 %), relishing taste, good appearance, and reasonably longer shelf life. In fact Dhakki date holds all the virtues to meet the world requirements and has immense potential to compete the date exporting countries all over the world. Therefore, it is gaining unprecedented importance both in domestic and export markets.

             

              In spite of the fact that the Dhakki Date is a crop of national significance, yet it is not gaining requisite attention on scientific lines towards its development, production, processing and packaging sides. In addition, Dhakki cultivars are facing diversified problems and some of them are dependent upon the weather stresses while the other arising out from resource shortage, storage and transportation facilities and above all the lacking in know-how.

2.                 Problems Linked to Date Production from Date Palm Trees

·                     Lack of know- how in management of orchards

·                     Fruit drop.

·                     Cultural practices.

·                     Damages caused by natural hazards (Temperature, Monsoon storm of wind and rainfall, Birds, Insect pests and Diseases).

·                     Lack of storage and transportation facilities

 

3.                 Problems Linked to Processing/ Packaging of Dates

·                     The traditional methods for ripening/ curing are still in vogue. The fruits at Dong stage are spread on mats and exposed to sun in open air; the dusty environment renders a product non‑uniform and substandard quality with very poor yield.

·                     Due to persistent raining and stormy conditions large amount of the harvested dates gets moldy, fermented, dusty, and bird/ insect invaded.

·                     Dhakki dates being relatively more susceptible to high humidity conditions at Dong stage receive substantial damages from monsoon rain and storm as well as from insect/ bird bites.

·                     The drop in day temperature at the end of summer season causes on-tree fruit ripening to slow down for late varieties like Dhakki, and hence the period between consecutive pickings as well as the number of pickings is increased which adds further to infestation and expenses.

·                     There is uncontrolled production of dates, and hence a large quantity of freshly ripened dates becomes available, which not only gluts local market but pre-occupies space which hampers into proper handling and processing of Dhakki dates for being late variety, and as a result the surplus produce is wasted.

·                     Non-availability of appropriate on-farm shelters, not to mention of cold storage and transportation facilities, or advanced preservation methodology further add to the problems.

·                     Non-existence of proper processing and packaging facilities further reduces quality and shelf life of the produce fetching lower return price.

·                     The colossal amount of fruit wastage wrecks the crop yield ultimately devastating the economy of the growers.

 

4.                 Time to complete the Project.          60 months

 

5.         Relationship of the project with the objectives:  The Agriculture Policy of the Government of Pakistan anticipates the achievements of the

               following objectives for the Universities:

a.            To take on their new responsibility of providing leadership in national development.

c.            To bring coordination and regulation in the research programs of all the Universities.

Agriculture policy highlights the intensity of the threats emerging from the environmental issues facing the country and requires agriculture research scientists to suggest remedial measures to halt this trend and to rehabilitate the ecosystem.

The project is inline with national priority areas of Teaching/research and self reliance. Date Palm Research and Commercial Production Centre holds promise for academic activities and commercial exploitation of dates and Dhakki date in particular. This will definitely help in economic uplift of the country by producing quality dates to meet export demand. Moreover this would be helpful in solving the problems being faced by the farming community and those directly or indirectly engaged with the date palm cultivation, production, processing, packaging and export business. It would also reduce the environmental stress on the country. Therefore, the present project, as such, is well in line with the main objectives of agriculture and scientific education sector of the Government.

 

6.    Objectives of the project preferably in quantitative terms

The main objectives of the project include:

·         To replace the traditional and wild date palm cultivars through introduction of new good quality and high yielding cultivars suited to the area.

·         To develop production technologies different from in vogue cultivars of the area.

·         To develop new technologies to reduce the Post harvest losses of Date fruit.

·         To provide infrastructure for the establishment of a pilot Centre for Date Palm collection and Processing & Packaging Lines.

·         To provide Lab facilities for Preparing, Processing and Packaging Technology at Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan.

·         To provide teaching and research facilities to a degree level program in order to specialize students in acquiring of advanced processing and packaging technologies. New horizons based on scientific advancements will be explored tailoring also the existing provisions.

·         To process and package the potential varieties specifically Dhakki at large scale on scientific lines in order to increase the production of quality dates as per international standards and to meet the export requirements so as to compete the world market.

·         To provide insight to gain advanced knowledge through research activities.

·         To provide the required knowledge regarding date-palm value addition.

·         To disseminate modern technological information to door steps of the end users.

·         To fulfill the shortage for the skilled manpower in these high-priority disciplines, and blast into the quality of Dhakki dates for export promotion.

·         To provide earning to many countrymen, and ultimately fostering the economy of the country.

 

The achievement of the main objective will further lead to the materialization of Center of Excellence for Production, Processing and Packaging of date palm at commercial levels.  Not only the people of D. I. Khan will benefit but whole of the country be greatly benefited. The Centre will come up with a unique Institute imparting theoretical and practical as well as Industrial knowledge and experience. Therefore it would not only cater the needs of people of this area but also from all over the country due to its central location. The centre would also attract students/ scholars from the neighboring countries and expectedly will emerge into a World Centre specialized in Date Palm. By this development a teaching and research facilities comparable to international standards will be established in this particular discipline.

The availability of quality date palm planting materials will improve commercial cultivation and production, and also will eventuate in setting up a processing & Packaging and Advanced Cold Storage facilities. The facilities will also be extended for use on hire basis to private entrepreneurs. This will not only lead the production of a large amount of quality dates for export purposes and hence will increase our foreign exchange earnings. This will also result in the increase of farmer's income to alleviate poverty of farming community and improve their livelihood.

 

Item #	Item	Cost Estimate Rs (millions)
1	Infrastructure for the Centre	15.50
2	Land Development	1.20
3	Plants & Related Materials	3.52
4	Post Harvest Lab., Store houses & Lath Houses	2.86
5	Cold storage, disinfectant & humidifying storages etc	10.00
6	Equipments for Date Processing Unit	18.00
7	Equipments for Date Packaging Unit	18.00
8	Equipments for Steam Line Unit	10.00
9	Other equipment and Apparatus	13.00
10	Furniture/ Fixtures Required for Laboratory etc.	1.86
11	Vehicles, Field Transport, POL & Maintenance	9.30
12	Scientific Equipment / Machinery / Chemicals	8.23
13	Library Books & Journals	1.60
14	Faculty & Support Staff Salaries	16.2 7
15	Faculty Trainings Abroad, Local Trainings & Workshops	3.15
16	Utilities, Stationery, Postage, Phone, Internet, Faxes,  Electricity Charges, Water Supply& Gas Charges etc.	3.05
17	Printing, Publications and advertisement	0.61
18	Marketing of Dates & Dates’ Products	1.00
19	Information technology devices including computers, printers, scanners, soft wares, net working, wiring etc.	2.50
20	Maintenance equipment such as lawn mower, tractor, and sickle bear	7.00
21	Energy and water supply	5.00
22	Contingences	1.10
	Grand Total	152.75

 

 

DATE PALM RESEARCH AND 

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION

CENTRE

GOMAL UNIVERSITY, DERA ISMAIL KHAN

AT A GLANCE

 

 

				Production
			Technology Transfer
					Packaging & Marketing
	Processing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Module Ensures……

Ø    Increased & Regulated Supply of Quality Dates.

Ø    Ingenious Management of Surplus Production.

Ø    Improved Storage & Transportation Facilities.

Ø    Rapid market Information System (MIS).

Production:

·      Identification of high yielding and quality varieties.

·      Conventional and non-conventional propagation techniques (Suckers etc).

·      Improved orchard management (nutrients supply, irrigation, pollination, pest management, pruning, protection from rain and birds, etc).

·      Improved harvesting technology (Identification of maturity index in relation to the fruit uses, harvesting practices).

Processing:

• Harvesting at optimal stages.
• Careful fruit harvesting from the bunch (ensuring the cap is intact).
• Transportation and field heat removal.
• Sorting, cleaning, washing and grading.
• Fumigation and treatment for fungus.
• Sun ripening and curing, mechanized ripening / curing. Cold storage of Doka for keeping fresh dates available during off-season, 
• Standardization and quality control. Shelf life improvement.
• Value addition: Preparation of various value added products including date syrup, Jams, date bars, deseeded nuts dates, bakery products, vinegar, coffee etc.
• Utilization of low grade and un-ripe and under-ripe dates.

 

Packaging and Marketing:

• Introduction of quality packages, ensuring freshness and enhanced shelf life.
• Consumer's likeness/ attractiveness.
• Consumer friendly packaging (size).
• Rapid Market Information System (MIS).
• Finding new international markets for export of fresh & cured Dates, and value added products.
• Knowledge of competitors' products and their markets share.
• Exploiting of other bi-products of date leaves, stem, stone, & bunch wood etc.
• Cottage industry.

Technology Transfer:

• Teaching & Research and dissemination of modern technology.
• Training of orchards' owners in orchard management, processing and packaging, and value addition.
• Plantation of model orchards to increase the area under date fruit.

·         Provision of suckers /plantlets to growers.

  

Prepared by: -                                               

 ______________________________________________

1.      Dr. Adam Khan,  Associate Professor,

      State University of   New York, College of

      Agriculture and Technology, Morrisville

      (Morrisville State College), USA

 

__________________________________________________

2.   Prof. Dr. Ahmad Khan Baloch

Eminent Scholar

Department of Food Science & Technology

Gomal University, D. I. Khan

 __________________________________________________

                  3.   Dean,

Faculty of Agriculture,

Gomal University,

Dera Ismail Khan

 

 

Approved by: 

 

                        _______________________________________

Vice Chancellor

Gomal University,

Dera Ismail Khan.

 

 

Dated: __________________________________      

 

 

 

Concept Paper  # 2

 

Name of the Project: Fish Culture Research and Commercial Production Center (FCR & CPC) at Gomal

                                                  

                                     University, D. I. Khan

 

Authorities:

 

       1.  Sponsoring: Higher Education Commission, Islam Abad

 

2. Execution: Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan

 

      3. Operation and Maintenance: Faculty of Agriculture at Gomal University, D.I.Khan.

                                                             

 

Rationale:

 

The fish culture research, its commercial production, and its marketing have great potential for   improving economic conditions in the areas around Indus basin and specifically in D.I.Khan district.  Fish  is   not  only food  but   it   is  a great   source  of  protein  and  therefore, its enhanced  production  would  help alleviate the  existing  protein  deficiency  in our country.  Even the remains of fish are valuable as they can be converted into fish meals to feed cattle and poultry.  It may also be used as manure for crop production. Last, but not the least, fish is an important source of foreign exchange. The research, demonstration, and commercial production project, entitled, “Fish culture research and commercial production at Gomal University, D.I.Khan”, is the development of modular fish farm based on raceway system at Gomal University, D. I. Khan.  The center will be designed to provide an opportunity for teaching and research in addition to commercial fish production, processing, packaging, including laboratories for dissemination of knowledge and marketing.  Other than being a center for research and teaching, the station will also be a good source of income for the university. With the production plan of 180 acres, harvesting about 270,000 Kg of fish annually and selling it at Rs 100 per Kilo, the gross income from the project will be 27 million rupees annually. In addition, the center will be very useful in improving local economy. The set up in brief will include:

 

• Development of Infrastructure
• Establishment of Nursery ponds
• Establishment of Fish ponds
• Fish processing facility
• Cold storage facility
• Fish packaging facility
• Fish Marketing
• Research lab and offices
• Demonstration lab
• Quality control lab
• Class room
• Water supply

 

Brief Introduction:

 

The Fish Culture Research and Commercial Production Center (FCR & CPC)  proposed here aims at constructing a modular raceway fish farm at Gomal University, D.I.Khan in order to provide protein rich food for the public on local, national, and international level.  In addition, the center will bring improvement in socio-economic conditions of local population.  Commercial fish farming can play an important role in raising standard of living of farmers in Indus basin throughout Pakistan and D.I. Khan in particular.

 

Fish is a great source of protein for Pakistani population.  It is evident that Pakistan, like many developing nations, suffers from protein deficiency in the diet of its people and with the increasing population the problem is becoming more acute. Therefore, an increase in fish production through fish culture (aqua culture) could be used to alleviate the shortage of protein.

 

Fish culture research and commercial production center at Gomal University will ideally include earthen ponds and mega carp fish species. Fresh fish culture in earthen ponds, both small and large reservoirs, was initiated in Pakistan during the late 1960 by the provincial fisheries departments. From 1980 onward the poly culture of Indian carps and Chinese carps has been carried out in Punjab and to some extent in NWFP. According to the latest estimate, the total area covered by fish ponds in Pakistan is about 60, 470 ha and out of this there is only 560 ha in NWFP.  In Pakistan about 13,000 fish farms have been established. The average farm size ranges from 5 – 10 ha. There is no direct data available on the number of fish farmers because most farmers carry out fish farming as an integral part of crop farming.  Abut 50,000 people in Pakistan are directly or indirectly employed in fish industry. 

 

The NWFP has comparatively lower number of fish farms because of cold climate in the mountainous area.  Most of the aquaculture in Pakistan consists of pond culture of various carp species. The productivity of carp farms show marked differences across various provinces with Punjab having the highest per unit production followed by Sindh and NWFP.   Carp culture is practiced in D.I.Khan area and therefore the establishment of a Mega carp production, processing, marketing, teaching, and research center will be ideal at Gomal University.

 

In Pakistan most fish markets have inadequate facilities, usually they lack cold storage, have poor hygienic conditions and inadequate communication links, etc. Most aquaculture products produced in Pakistan are consumed locally. In 2003 and 2004, the total fish production in Pakistan was 564,105 tons out of which only 163,393 tons were from inland water. No data is available on the production and export of aquaculture produced products.

Fresh water carp farming which is by far the main stay of aquaculture activity in Pakistan is practiced widely in Punjab and Sindh and to a lesser extent in NWFP.  Fish meat is also known for increasing good cholesterol and therefore will it will also have an advantage as part of health food.

 

The type of fish species adapted to D. I. Khan climate include grass carp, silver carp, and common carp.  We expect that Mega carp (Chinese origin) will be very successful in D. I. Khan climate.

  

Problems linked to Fish production in D.I. Khan

1. Lack of knowledge in commercial fish production.
2. Old and outdated production practices.
3. Damages caused by natural hazards such as flooding and rain storms.

 

Problems linked to processing, packaging, and transportation:

1. The traditional methods are old and outdated
2.  Lack of cold storage
3. Lack of proper processing
4. Lack of proper transportation with cold storage facility
5. Lack of proper marketing chains from producers to retailers and ultimately consumers

 

Time to complete the project:  60 months:

 

Relation of the project with the objectives:

 

The mandate from the Government to the universities is to provide leadership in national development, to explore ways for better education, teaching, and research in agriculture and particularly in fish production, to improve research facilities and to raise funds for their research activities. In addition, it is the responsibility of the universities to find ways on how to clean the environment

 

The project proposed here supports above objectives

 

Objectives of the project in Quantitative terms:

1.      To initiate 180 acres modern, state of the art commercial fish production center at Gomal University, D. I. Khan

2.      To establish, on 180 acres area, the fish production technology that will use modern techniques as compared to the currently outdated ones.

3.      To develop new technologies of processing, packaging, and marketing 27,000 Kg fish annually as compared to the outdated techniques currently in use

4.      To develop infrastructure for the establishment of commercial fish production center

5.      To construct lab facilities (at least 3) for processing, packaging, and marketing technology at Gomal University

6.      To construct teaching and research facility (at least 5 rooms each) for students to specialize in fish production.

7.      To disseminate the knowledge of fish production, processing, and marketing to farmers

8.      To help increase the income of local fish farmers

 

Budget:

 

Item #	Item	Cost estimate Rs (million)
1	Infra structure	2.5
2	Fish ponds construction	1.2
3	Cold storages	0.5
4	Equipment for processing	0.5
5	Equipment for packaging	0.8
6	Other equipment and apparatus	1.0
7	Furniture and fixtures required for the lab	2.0
8	Vehicles, field transport, and maintenance	8.0
9	Truck with refrigeration for transportation	6.0
10	Scientific equipment, machinery, and chemicals	1.0
11	Library books and journals	0.5
12	Faculty and support staff salaries	8.0
13	Faculty training abroad, local training and workshops	1.5
14	Printing, publications and advertisement	0.5
15	Marketing	0.5
16	Information technology, internet, networking, and computer supply	1.5
17	Energy and water supply	3.0
18	Contingences	1.0
19	Construction of offices and labs	50.0
20
21
	Grand total	90.0

 

 

 

 

Total area for the project = 42.8 ha + 29.6 ha = 72. 4 ha =  about 180 acres

 

Location of the project:

1.     North east of the entrance gate and university road = 42.8 ha

2.     North west of the campus = 29.6 ha

 

Prepared by:

 

1. Dr. Adam Khan, Associate Professor,                                                                                                                                                           

State University of New York, College of

Agriculture & Technology at Morrisville,

New York, USA. (Ex Patriot Pakistani Consultant)                         

 

2. Muhammad Niamatullah

             Assistant Professor,

             Gomal College of Veterinary Sciences,

             Faculty of Agriculture,

             Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan.

 

3. Prof. Dr. Qasim Khan,

            Dean,

            Faculty of Agriculture,

            Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan

 

Approved by:                                                                                                 

 

          ____________________________________

          Vice Chancellor,

           Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan

                                                           

 

MAPS

1.  Gomal University (New Campus)

2.  D. I. Khan city campus

3.  D. I. Khan city