per
unit area over time, on account of continuous shortages of water and ignorance
of modern irrigation systems. Despite the lack of water, during kharif,
rice, bajra, cotton, tomatoes and peas are cultivated; whereas during rabi
the main crops are wheat, barley, graham and melons. Sukkur is famous, world
over, for its delicious dates. Sukkur also has a large Riveraine forest
along the course of the Indus. These tropical forests are found within the
protective embankments on either side of the Indus. During 1997-98 the total
area under forests was 510 km which yielded 55,000 cubic feet
(1,600 m) of timber and 27,000 cubic feet (760 m) of firewood besides
other mine products
