Why Social Protection is Not Enough to Effectively Address Poverty Reduction in Pakistan

Pakistan is behind many other countries in the Asia region in reducing poverty. Dedicated poverty reduction Programmes so far were mainly done by NGOs using livelihood and microfinance approaches and since 2008 through the Benazir Income Support Programme’s cash transfer scheme. Recently, the office of the Prime Minister established Ehsaas Strategy which combines the various poverty reduction and social protection approaches in the country under one Programme. This paper argues that a stronger focus on effective income generating poverty reduction Programmes would be needed to make poverty reduction more successful.

Pathogenecity and Control of Nematodes Associated With Walnut in Hazara Division

This research was done to recognize plant parasitic nematode related to walnut (Juglans regia L.) in Hazara Division, KP, Pakistan. Phytonematodes are of great concern as they are potential pest of plants including crops and trees. Their infestation resulted in yield loss and poor plant growth. Symptoms included stunted growth, yellowing of foliage, early flowering, excessive branching, root lesions and root galls, root tip death and root knots which resulted in adverse effects on the plant. The identified nematode species included Helicotylenchus dihystera, Helicotylenchus digonicus, Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus, Helicotylenchus vulgaris, Helicotylenchus canadensis, Helicotylenchus larvae, Aphelenchus avenae, Tylenchus sp., Tylenchus filiformis, Tylenchus ritae, Pratylenchus vulnus, Pratylenchus neglectus, Pratylenchus penetrans, Trichodorus sp., Meloidogyne larvae, Basiria bajorensis, Basiria kashmirensis and Basiria graminophila from Mansehra and Helicotylenchus vulgaris, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Tylenchus sp., Psilenchus hilarulus and Meloidogyne incognita from Abbottabad. Among identified nematodes Meloidogyne larvae (root-knot nematode), Pratylenchus vulnus, P. neglectus, P. penetrans (root-lesion nematodes) and Trichodorus sp. (Stubby root nematode) were of major concern. Management of phytonematodes is of great importance. In this study inorganic (Carbofuran) and organic (poultry manure, cow dung, horse manure, pigeon manure, castor oil cakes, duck manure, Saw dust) were used for the management and it was found that all amendments were effective against parasitic phytonematodes associated with walnut trees. Organic amendments were effective in the sequence like castor oil > poultry manure > cow dung > pigeon manure > horse manure > duck manure > saw dust. As organic amendments are eco-friendly and easily available therefore, their use is more recommendable as compared to chemical nematicides. Histopathology of the infected walnut roots by Meloidogyne sp. showed that roots were damaged due to nematode activity to a greater extend. Cortex and vascular tissues were completely destroyed. It was observed that feeding sites were induced along with giant cells with egg masses by the second stage juveniles. Cells with multinuclei and densed cytoplasm were observed. Necrosis of the root along with hypertrophy was also seen.