Faiza Tehseen

Planting fruit trees along the national highways and motorways is crucial to combating climate impacts, enhancing biodiversity, and generating sustainable economic opportunities, opined Muhammad Aatif Majeed, Deputy Director (Technical) at the Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar, in an exclusive chat with WealthPK. “The transformative environmental and economic initiative will help Pakistan become a sound green economy. The green corridors dotted with fruit trees will not only improve air quality but also reduce the urban heat island effect and provide habitat for local wildlife,” he said.

He said it was important to choose non-pulpy fruit species, because fallen ripe pulpy fruits can make the roads slippery. Pulpy fruits also attract wildlife and children, which may cause road accidents. Aatif said Indian gooseberry (locally called Amla), Indian soapberry (locally called Reetha), glueberry (Lasoora), and dates can be the best choice. These species are valuable not only as fruit and for culinary purposes but are also used to prepare medicines. Only fenced motorways can be suitable for planting citrus varieties or pulpy fruit trees, including guava. There is a good distance of at least 20 to 25 feet between the road and side lands due to which the public cannot easily approach the fruit plantation.

He said, “By integrating the agroforestry practices into highway development, the country can enhance carbon sequestration, soil fertility, and sustainable agricultural practices. In this way, not only environmental concerns will be addressed but also a diversified income stream would be offered to the farmers by reducing their reliance on the traditional monoculture farming.” 

He said the government should provide technical assistance and carbon credit facilitation access to encourage private investors toward this initiative. It will attract private sector investment, promote eco-friendly commercial ventures, and contribute to the national climate goals, he added. This project will create new employment opportunities across the country, particularly for the skilled and unskilled labourers involved in plantation, maintenance, and harvesting activities, added Muhammad Aatif.

Talking to WealthPK about the importance of fruit tree plantations along highways to cut emissions and boost revenue, environmentalist Dr. Muhammad Akbar said, “It will generate revenue, enhance environmental resilience, and contribute toward reduction in the country’s carbon footprint.” He said some fruit trees, including peach, reduce particulate matter (PM10) and gaseous pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). The fruit tree plantation will align with Pakistan’s broader environmental and economic objectives.

 He said, “The mutual coordination of all the relevant government offices, including the motorway and highway authorities, is crucial for successful execution of the said initiative. It will also enhance technical and institutional support, including facilitation in carbon credit generation.” Talking to WealthPK, Assistant Director of Punjab Agriculture department, Lahore, Naveed Ahmad said, “Planting fruit trees along highways represents a holistic approach to environmental conservation and economic development.” Agroforestry is the best practice especially when it is linked with carbon credits. Fostering public-private partnerships, and engaging the local communities is necessary to make in kind projects successful. It will pave the way for a greener and more prosperous future of Pakistan, said Naveed Ahmad.

Pilot projects and community engagement: The National Highways and Motorway Police launched a tree plantation drive on Sukkar-Pindi Bhatian Motorway (M-4), focusing on planting fruit trees at inter-changes to enhance the motorway’s green cover. Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Economic Zone Development and Management Company has initiated the plantation of 14,400 fruit bearing saplings across 11 economic zones, integrating environmental conservation and industrial development. The government should enhance the net of such initiatives for a green and economically sound Pakistan.