26 January 2004	Monday	03 Zilhaj 1424

The henna plant (Lawsonia Alba) is a heavily scented evergreen shrub of about six meters in height and bears narrow pointed leaves with clusters of small white or pink flowers and blue berries.

Three main colours red, black, and neutral are derived from the leaves, roots, and branches, respectively. Different parts of the shrub contain some of the powerful dye, lawsone, black and neutral henna, containing reddish tints. Branches are harvested and dried under the open sky and leaves grounded into fine powder. This shrub is also used as a hedge to protect crops and orchards from the animals. In Sindh, henna is cultivated in Tharoshah (Naushero Feroze district) and Mehar in Dadu.

Production practices: The basic objective of a grower is to get higher production through proper management practices and production technology. Production of any commodity depends on the combination of different inputs and resources allocation.

The emphasis has been given on qualitative and quantitative analysis of production practices adopted by henna growers and the identification of technical and socio-economic factors in it's production. The basic data collected in the study area is produced here. However the scope of an advanced research is required which could not be undertaken due to the limited resource.

Land preparation is the initial task for crop cultivation. It varies from one grower to another. It is found that most growers apply one to two deep ploughing for opening the soil surface. After deep ploughing, land is left for few days to get air and sunlight. They then use gobble, followed by 1-2 cultivators. Majority 98 per cent level their land while 2 per cent don't. A grower spends about Rs3600/hac on ploughing and levelling.

Seed rate varies from farm to farm and one to another grower, which ranges between 10-20kg with an average 15kg/acre. The source of seed is identified as own, neighbouring growers and from the local market. The cost of seed comes to about Rs4 to 10/kg with an average of Rs5kg.

The size of henna nursery varies, ranging from few plants to few acres. There is minimum cost involved in raising a henna nursery. The growers describe that they buy the seed from the factories and growers at the rate of Rs 5-6/kg. They then thresh, clean and separate seeds from the leaves. The leaves are sold to factories for grinding and seed for nursery growing.

Soon after broadcasting, regular irrigation is needed until the seeds germinate. Growers usually start raising of nursery in March and continue up to May. Within two months henna nursery becomes ready for transplanting. There are two method of henna sowing. The most common is transplanting on ridges, followed by broadcasting on plain land.

Application of farm yard manure is necessary to keep the plant healthy, vigorous and productive because it fulfils the nutritional requirements. Soil fertility levels need to be maintained. There are no recommendations available to guide the grower for the efficient use of chemical fertilizer. Growers use fertilizer on their own. There is a lack of interest among the concerned department to do research on high potential crops.

Weeding is necessary as these compete with plants for minerals, nutrients, water and light. Weeds utilize food nutrients for their growth and the yield is reduced. Proper spacing helps in the development of healthy crops. Harvesting at the right stage of maturity is necessary to achieve better quality and quantity. Recommendations: Findings reveal that henna cultivation in Naushero Feroze has great potential because of better economic returns.

The crop has tremendous scope for further expansion as the big growers intend to enhance area under this crop because, once this crop is established its production remains for longer period without initial costs. Second they want to get rid from tenants because this crop can easily be supervised with the hired labour as compared to other seasonal crops grown in the area.

Its processing and marketing system has been established in the nearby towns, wherefrom wholesalers buy the produce from the field, hence farmers do not pay for packing, transportation and other costs for marketing.

Timely and adequate use of chemical fertilizer, pesticide and irrigation are important to achieve better crop yield. Availability of one variety and traditionally managed operations are main factors which limit henna productivity in the study area. There is no credit facility for henna growers which hinders their performance. It is, therefore, suggested that the provision of seasonal credit through institutions such as the commercial banks and Zarai Taraquiati Bank may be started among growers and processing factories.