Utilizing degraded lands and brackish water for growing plants of economic importance to reduce pressure on fertile lands and sweet water resources.
Mission
Domesticating various halophytes to serve as a source of fodder, forage, biofuel, oil seeds, medicinal plants and other possible usages.
Rationale behind establishing the Institute
1. Planet earth is a very salty place to live - almost 3/4th is covered with water most of
which is in saline seas and salt lakes etc., while estimates show a sizeable area of land affected by salinity and more being lost to secondary salinization.
2. The subsoil water in areas not recharged with fresh water is also generally of poor
quality and inimical for most plants of human consumption.
3. Opening new lands for cultivation is not without dire ecological consequences while
finding additional fresh water resources is a remote possibility.
4. This necessitates search for suitable alternatives to meet the demands of burgeoning
population and directs attention to the natural vegetation of those habitats which have been degraded by salinity.
5. The concept of establishing an elaborate facility for research on the hitherto under
explored potential of halophytes was hence developed and the Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization came into being with support from the University of Karachi and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
6. Research at the Institute will explore the potential of halophytes for the benefit of
mankind and focus on a comprehensive approach to understanding the mechanisms of
salt tolerance in these plants through eco-physiological studies supported by biochemical, genetical and molecular arguments governing various responses.
