Hydroseeding Technique Tested in Pakistan for First Time to Restore Barren Land

Lahore: For the first time in Pakistan, the government has tested the modern technique of hydroseeding to transform barren land into green spaces and speed up environmental restoration.

The Punjab Forest Department carried out this pilot project at Forest Park Jallo in Lahore, applying a special mixture of seeds, fertilizers, water, organic materials, and soil enhancers using hydroseeding machinery across several acres of land.

Experts say hydroseeding is highly effective in areas where traditional seeding methods fail—such as hilly slopes, eroded land, and regions where heavy rain or water flow causes soil degradation.

Speaking to media, Chief Conservator Abid Gondal said the technique has strong potential in Pakistan if implemented scientifically, keeping in mind local climate conditions, soil types, and water availability. He noted that barren regions like Thar, Cholistan, and Balochistan, as well as urban projects such as roadsides and new housing schemes, can greatly benefit from this method.

According to Nasim Butt, hydroseeding is widely used to quickly grow grass and vegetation. It helps prevent soil erosion, improves landscaping, and supports ecological recovery.

However, experts highlighted challenges such as water scarcity, lack of specialized machinery, trained personnel, and poor soil quality in some areas, which could impact success. Despite these challenges, hydroseeding is a recognized method in many countries including the USA, China, Australia, Canada, UK, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and UAE for greening deserts, restoring degraded land, and managing watersheds.