Growth Pattern and Morphological Variation of Labeo calbasu Found in Indus River, Sindh-Pakistan

The present work reports the length–weight relationships (LWR) and condition factor relationships for Labeo calbasu collected from Upstream (Matyari) Kotri barrage at, River Indus, Pakistan, because stock assessment helps the fisheries managers to conserve the commercially important fish. Morphological characters of fish as well as Length-weight relationship are an important tool for fishery management. The results of LWR (W= aLb), for L calbasu.  Representing negative allometric growth pattern. LWRs and condition factor relationships were found significantly correlated. A total of 200 and 190 specimens from upstream and downstream were collected, respectively. The assessed values of length-weight correlation and condition factor were calculated as Kn=39.663 (LeCren), and K=11.915 (Fulton) for upstream and Kn=44.066 and K=13.872 for downstream. Length-weight was found with a strong correlation of n= 2.892, a=0.0235 with r2=0.934 for upstream population then the downstream population.  The results of this work would be beneficial for sustainable management as well as fishery managers. 

An integrated multidisciplinary approach to developing value-added products: A case study of mango pickle production and marketing by women in a poor rural village

Developing, producing and marketing value-added horticultural products in poor rural villages in developing countries can improve local livelihoods but presents significant challenges across three distinctly different fields – product development, marketing, and community development. This paper reports a pilot-scale example of value-added mango products produced and marketed by women in a poor village in Sindh, Pakistan. The research approach adopts a value-chain perspective to first identify market opportunities, then consider processing requirements, and finally determine how a village can organise resources to produce and market the product. In this case study, 12 women produced more than 500 kg mango pickles from low-grade and waste fruit, generating US$ 350 in income. Lessons for other villages are suggested