Sweet and tangy: strawberry farming flourishes in Deepalpur
The ripe strawberries are carefully handpicked, cleaned and packed into baskets. photos: express
The fertile lands of Deepalpur and its surrounding areas are seeing a rise in the cultivation of strawberries - a fruit cherished for its sweet-and-sour taste and packed with health benefits.
Traditionally a spring favourite, strawberries are increasingly becoming a staple both in local diets and in the export market.
Belonging to the Rosaceae family, strawberries are typically grown during the winter and spring seasons.
In Deepalpur, the deep red, aromatic fruit is not only a culinary delight but also a source of income for local farmers who are cultivating it with growing interest.
Dr Anam Azhar, a dietetics and nutrition expert at the University of Lahore, told The Express Tribune that strawberries are considered a highly nutritious fruit.
"They are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, improves skin health, and protects against diseases," she explained. "Strawberries also contain dietary fibre that aids digestion and relieves constipation, while antioxidants like flavonoids and ellagic acid help detoxify the body and reduce cancer risks."
She further noted that the fruit contributes to heart health by maintaining healthy blood vessels and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. "With a low glycaemic index (GI), strawberries don't cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, making them suitable for people with diabetes," she added.
Local farmers shared their experiences with The Express Tribune, revealing that strawberry cultivation requires nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. The process begins with the purchase of expensive saplings, followed by the application of fertilisers and sprays. The entire crop is then covered with polythene sheets to protect it.
For the first two months, the farmers bear all expenses - from agricultural sprays to fertilizers - out of pocket.
Around this time, strawberry blossoms appear and slowly develop into full fruit. The plants need regular watering but must be protected from overwatering to prevent rot.
After three months, the ripe strawberries are carefully handpicked, cleaned and packed into baskets, making their way to local fruit shops and markets where they are sold eagerly.
The fruit enjoys immense popularity for its vibrant flavour and numerous health benefits.
Farmers emphasized that with government support, the strawberry industry could be further developed to boost both rural livelihoods and the national economy.
As a seasonal delicacy with high demand, fresh strawberries are quickly snapped up by consumers who enjoy them for both their taste and nutritional value.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Surging plastic pollution poses environmental crisis
World Environment Day is observed globally on June 5, with this year's theme, "Beat Plastic Pollution," drawing attention to the growing crisis of plastic waste. Environmental experts have warned that without immediate intervention, the consequences of unchecked pollution could be catastrophic for both human health and the ecosystem. While speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Amir Alamgir, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Karachi, said that plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most serious environmental challenges in recent decades. "Plastic products are inexpensive and widely available, which encourages excessive use without regard for their harmful effects," he added. Dr Alamgir stressed the health hazards posed by plastic use, particularly during the summer. "Storing drinking water in plastic bottles and refrigerating them can release microplastics that enter the human body," he said. "These microscopic particles can severely damage the respiratory and digestive systems, blood vessels, and other vital organs. Prolonged exposure may even lead to fatal diseases such as cancer." He also warned against the widespread practice of waste burning, particularly plastic waste, which releases toxic gases into the atmosphere. "These gases are absorbed into the lungs and bloodstream, affecting human health in ways that are still being understood - but we know they pose grave risks," he said. Karachi, one of the most densely populated cities in the country, is at the centre of Pakistan's environmental crisis. The city generates an estimated 14,712 tons of solid waste daily, of which only 50 per cent is transported to landfill sites. The remainder is discarded in open spaces, water bodies, and streets, polluting both air and water sources. According to Dr Alamgir, 60 per cent of Karachi's solid waste is composed of plastic, much of which ends up in the Arabian Sea, endangering marine life. "If the current trend continues, Karachi could face irreversible ecological damage within the next 15 years," he warned.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Survivors of terrorism lack access to counselling
Located just 45 kilometers from the Afghan border, Peshawar has been in the grip of terrorism since the last 15 to 20 years, with thousands of people losing their lives and livelihoods to the war on terror. However, not a single rehabilitation center could be built in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to help victims of terrorism and their families to recover from their trauma. In 2009, Yasir Khan lost six members of his family in the horrific bomb blast in Peshawar's Pipal Mandi. "More than 15 years have passed since the incident, but even today, when a terrorist incident occurs, my mind goes into shock again for a few moments. Perhaps the trauma of that incident has been buried deep within me. About 150 people were killed in the blast while about 250 were injured. The survivors are suffering from post-traumatic stress, but they have not been able to access psychological help," said Khan. Likewise, in 2014, Arif Aqeel, a school teacher was badly injured in two suicide attacks at the All-Saints Church in Peshawar. Hailing from the Christian community, Arif lost one of his legs and a large chunk of his memory due to severe head injuries. Three years later, Arif's wounds could not heal, and he passed away. "First the shock of the explosion and then the death of Arif left a lasting impact on his wife and children. The family has not received counseling till date, due to which they are still suffering from psychological problems," shared Arif's brother-in-law, Augustine Jacob. Similarly, Sir Naeem Gulzar, who was injured in the Peshawar Qissa Khawani blasts twice, shared a poignant narration of what goes on in the mind of a survivor coping with the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even though ten years have passed since the tragedy, even today Gulzar is fearful of leaving the house and going to work. "Whenever I hear the sound of a vehicle, rickshaw, or a tyre bursting, I run away, thinking it is an explosion. Despite my efforts, I cannot get rid of the fear in my mind. My family has taken me to a psychiatrist twice, but it has not helped," shared Gulzar. Gulzar's experience is not an isolated case. With the alarming increase in terrorist activity over the past few years, more and more people directly impacted by extremist atrocities are stuck in a cycle of trauma. According to data obtained by The Express Tribune, in 2022, 200 incidents of terrorism were reported in K-P and the tribal areas, while in 2023, 560 incidents of terrorism occurred. In 2022, a total of 83 police officers and 96 soldiers were martyred, while in 2023, 167 police officers and 101 soldiers were killed. These incidents include the Peshawar Police Lines blast, the suicide attack on the Peshawar Kocha Risaldar Mosque and the explosion at a public meeting in Bajaur. In 2023, cases of terrorism witnessed a surge of about 70 per cent in K-P and the tribal areas, while 2024, saw a further 20 per cent increase in such incidents, with 630 incidents reported throughout the year. Talking about the impact of terrorism on the quality of life, Professor Dr Jamil Chitrali, Chairman of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Peshawar, revealed that in the past 20 years, 70,000 to 80,000 people have been killed in terrorist activity in Pakistan, out of which about 60,000 were civilians while 20,000 were personnel from the police, armed forces and other government agencies. "The APS attack, Pipal Mandi and Khyber Bazar blasts were such big tragedies that it seems that people in every street of Peshawar have experiences their trauma. Unfortunately, however, there are only 500 mental health professionals in the country for a population of over 240 million. Until or unless there is a district-level rehab center for victims of terrorism and their families, these people will continue to suffer from despair, depression and psychological problems," implored Dr Chitrali. Dr Uzma Ali, a clinical psychologist, told The Express Tribune that survivors of terrorism required clinical treatment and community support to deal with the post-traumatic stress disorder. "Furthermore, the families of such victims also need counseling. People going through trauma should be supported by family, and relevant institutions such as health, social welfare, and the district administration. These victims should be considered under the Victim Support Program, which could help them cope with their trauma," said Dr Ali.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Super typhoid threat looms: experts raise alarm
A concerning rise in super typhoid cases is being reported across the metropolis, with medical experts attributing the surge to widespread misuse of antibiotics, which has weakened people's immune systems and led to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. According to physicians, oral medications are now ineffective against this strain, and treatment depends solely on specific antibiotics administered intravenously. General physician at Jinnah Hospital Karachi Dr Faisal Javed shared these insights during a conversation with The Express Tribune. He revealed that the number of super typhoid cases is steadily increasing, and the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) variant exhibits a dangerously high resistance to commonly used antibiotics. He warned that case numbers are expected to rise further after Eidul Azha. Typhoid is caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium, which spreads through contaminated water, unhygienic utensils, and substandard food - conditions prevalent in areas with poor sanitation infrastructure. "In Pakistan, the rampant and incorrect use of antibiotics has led to the development of XDR or 'super typhoid,' a strain that no longer responds to most standard medications," Dr Faisal said. "Only specific and often expensive IV antibiotics are proving effective." He expressed concern over the role of unqualified practitioners and under-equipped laboratories, which frequently prescribe medications based on unreliable tests like "Typhi Dot" or stool analysis. These tests can yield false positives, particularly if a patient has previously been exposed to the bacteria, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. According to Dr Faisal, a blood culture test is the only reliable method for diagnosing super typhoid. Although it takes about seven days to deliver results, it remains the most accurate way to determine effective treatment. Symptoms of typhoid include high fever, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, gas, and body aches. The XDR strain tends to cause more severe symptoms. If left untreated, the bacteria can impact vital organs including the liver, brain, stomach, and bone marrow - posing a serious threat to life. In some cases, patients may deteriorate before accurate diagnosis is possible, making recovery more difficult. Dr Faisal recommended that patients eat easily digestible foods like Khichdi (a soft mixture of rice and lentils), yogurt, boiled vegetables, and fruits to help the body heal. He also urged the government and food safety authorities to enforce stricter hygiene standards among restaurants and street vendors, many of whom use contaminated water to wash utensils, aiding in the spread of the disease. Public awareness campaigns should emphasise handwashing before meals and after using the toilet as essential preventive measures.
