A BRIEF PROFILE OF LARKANA

Prepared By,

Ikhtiar Ahmed Khoso

Regional Business Coordinator

Small & Medium Enterprise Development Authority

Larkana
 LARKANA AT GALANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Location

Larkana before partition

Role of the City

Climate of Larkana

Physical Features

Educational Institutions

Statistics of Larkana city

Festivals

Agriculture system

Irrigation

Horticulture

Livestock

Industries

Trade and Trade Center

Vocation of Larkana

Banks /Financial Institutions

Hotels
Industrialization in Larkana District
Location
A glance of the map of Sindh reveals that Larkana, from location point of view enjoys a
strategic position. After Karachi it is largest city on the west bank of river Indus in Sindh.
It include on an area of 7423sq Km. with a population of 1927066. It lies on 27o 33'
North latitude and 65o 16' East longitude. The city is located in upper Sindh at a distance
of about 85 km south west of Sukkur. Important towns in the vicinity of Larkana include
Dokri, Naudero, Ratodero, Qambar, Bakrani, Shahdadkot, Badah and Miro Khan.

Larkana before Partition

'Hujaee nano ta ghum Larkano' if you have the money, then visit Larkana. That's one of
the most popular idioms by which Larkana has been described right from its existence.
Known to be a poetic city with a romantic aura in the air, Larkana projected a loving
feeling despite the fact that it lacked the beauty or precision seen in Shikarpur or Karachi.
Larkana has been famous for the Guawa fruit production. But above and all these
descriptions, Larkana derives its historical importance from the fact that it is the actual
cradle in Sindh to the mother of all civilizations, namely Moen-jo-Daro or the mound of
the Dead, which is located in the vicinity of Larkana.

Larkana was founded about 300y ago by a tribe of Sindh called "Laraks" on the banks of
the Ghaad Waah, which was dug at the behest of the kalhora rulers, it had fruit and
flower garden along it and in time settlers lile the sailors from 'Laar' came and settled
down here which got the place christened Larkana

This place actually progressed under the British rule in the early 20thcentury and went to
be the headquarter of the province in 1901 AD with its main towns being Nao Deroo
Qamber and Rato Dero. Larkana got status of Muncipal Committeee in 1855 AD. With
the completion of the Sukkur Barrage in 1931 towards the west of Larkano was the Dadu
Canal and in the east the Rice Canal which went on to become a place for cultural
gatherings in the initial days but with the onset of the Rice Canal the Ghaad Waah started
drying up and the place lost its charm.

This place has been often referred to as the 'Eden of Sind' or 'Shiraz of Sind' or even
Bang-e-Anam' which led to it being known as the Garden City. This probably came about
on the basis of the numerous garden that were there in the city, the most famous being the
'Tajar Baugh' and 'Gyan Baugh' apart from 'Tolani Baugh', 'Riyali Baugh', Baaey-jo-
Baugh', Thanwar Baugh',' Karamam Baugh', 'Lahori Baugh', 'Dharami Baugh', 'Lekhraj
Baugh'. Amongst these gardens the mangoes from Tolani Baugh and the beir from
Dharami Baugh were famous throughout the world and much in demand. Two public
parks also adorned the city namely 'Bolus Park' which was used for political and social
gatherings and 'Mazdoor Park' which was a open air study place for the budding students.
Modern Larkana.
Role of the City
Larkana is the most important city in the North West Sindh. Being hometown of many
political personalities, it excercises a countrywide influence. Larkana got status of
Divisonal Headquarter in 1988 comprising three districts i. e. Larkana, Jacobabad,
Shikarpure.

Climate of Larkana
The district has extreme climate in summer, which is hot and moderate in winter. The
network of canals and general-mersion of soil during the summer add moisture to the
heat. The heat continues up to the middle of October, after which nights become cool and
the day temperature also begins to recede. The district being situated far away from the
sea is devoid of sea breeze.

The mean maximum and minimum temperature in summer season is approximately 43

centigrade and 33 centigrade while that of the winter season 21 centigrade and 11
centigrade respectively. The average annual rainfall is about 100 to 125 millimeters per
year. Dust storms are common and hot winds blow continuously for about 40 days
around the middle of May every year.

Physical Features
Larkana city is divided into three parts having tow physical barriers i.e. railway line and
Rice Canal. The old town is located towards east of railway line which is densly
populated and has already developed as a commercial and retail center. This part
comprises Qafila Sirai, Ali Goharabad, Galib Nagar, Surahia Padhar, Kadri Muhalla,
Ghareeb Mukaam, Leelaabad, Karma Bagh, Daree Muhalla, Gajanpure, Murad Wahan,
Allahabad, Zulifiqua Bagh, Jinnah Bagh.

The second part of the city is between railway line and Rice canal towards the west of the
old town. Main buildings and muhalla's in this part are Circuit House, Sir Shahnawaz
Library, Chandka Medical College, Chandka Medical Hospital, SP office, DC office,
High Court, Pilot Scondary School, STN TV station, Boys Degree College, Lahorri
Muhalla, Peoples Colony, Doctors Colony.

Third part is located between Rice canal and on both sides of Ghar Wah, noth west of the
town. Newly developed Muncipal housing Colony, Shaikh Zaid Woman's Hospital,
Comminsionerate building, District Jail, Childrens' Hospital, Dirctor Education, Larkan
FM Radio station, Shaikh Zaid Colony, Police training center

Educational Institutions
Educational Institutions in Larkana are Chandka Medical College, Z. A. Bhutto
Agricultural College, Cadet College, Government Degree Colleges For boys and Girls,
Arts & Commerce College, Oriental College, Law College, SZABIST-Campus. The
literacy rate in Larkana district is 35%.

Statistics of Larkana city

Population of city: population of district 19,27066. male 993576, female. 933490 literacy
34.94%. ,male ratio 47%, female ratio 34%.

According to census 1998, population of other towns of the district

Shahdadkot 0.0672 millions

Kambar 0.0673 millions
Rato Dero 0.0456 millions
Badah 0.0375 millions
Nauo Dero 0.0316 millions
Nasirabad 0.0271 millions
Warah 0.0183 millions
Dokri 0.0182 millions
Miro Khan 0.0102 millions
Geralo 0.0067 millions

There are 19804 villages in the district. The total population of these villages is 1.47
millions.

Roads and Streets:

Roads/streets (width more than 25 ft) = 66 miles

Roads/streets (width less than 25 ft) = 275 miles

Cinema Houses
Empire, Nigar and Chelopetra

Public Parks
Jinnah Bagh, Zulfiquar Bagh, Shahnawaz Childrens
Park, New Railway Park 1 & 2, Nawa Tak Park,
Kamal Atta Turk Park and Tank Chowk Park

Other statistical data

No. of Schools & Colleges in the district

Primary Schools 2687
Seconday Schools 135
Colleges, Institutes 81
Health Hospitals 13
Basic health units 59
Dispensaries 12

Festivals
Four man festivals are held annually in Larkana district, one in the honour of Pirsher at
Taluka Larkana, other in memory of Mian Ghulam Siddique at Shahdadkot, the 3rd at
Mirokhan Taluka in the name of Hakimshah Pat Waro and 4th fair is organized at
Kambar Taluka in the memory of Mian Shahal Muhammad Kalhoro.

Agriculture System

The principal crops during rabi are wheat, matter, gram and oil-seeds and in kharif paddy
and jawar. In addition to these crops there are subsidiary crops known as zaid rabi, zaid
kharif and dobari.

A statement showing area and production of some major crops are given blow:

Crop Area (hector) Production (Metric ton)

Rice 211,879 630,307

Wheat 71,912 120,125

Sugarcane 389 13,454

Barely 2,753 1,252

Rape and Mustard 14,291 11,301

Masoor 2,144 1,018

Matter 22,331 11,493

Onion 717 7,446

Irrigation

The network of barrage canals irrigates the entire area of the district between the two
protective bunds. These are Rice Canal, Dadu Canal, Kirthar Canal and Warah Branch.
Out of these only Rice canal is the non-perenial, while the others are perennial canals.
Rice canals runs through the district for 76kilometres the Dadu canals for 80kilometres.
The Warah for 84 kilometrees and the Khirthar canal for 60 kilometres.

The katcha area of Larkana, RatoDero and Dokri taulkas within the protective bunds is
brought under cultivation during Rabi season, which is termed as “Sialbi” cultivation.
Similarly, on the other side of the protective bund towards the kohistan tract, a large area
is brought under cultivation there are sufficient rains. Some areas are also being
cultivated through recently installed tube wells.

Horticulture
Climate of Larkana district is suitable for growing guava, lemon, mangoes and date. Due
to water-logging and salinity, dates can grow better than other fruits. Good quality of
mangoes and guava are generally grown in Ratedero, Dokri, and Larkana taulkas. In
SahadaKot and Warah taulkas, water melons are grown in abudsance and they are also of
good quality. Vegetables of all kinds are grown in the district.

A statement showing area and production of major fruits are given blow:

Fruit Area (Hectares) Production (Metric ton)

Guava 3062 23371

Mangoes 712 4969

Lemons 60 149

Dates 87 154

Ber 65 394

Livestock
The distinct is not rich in cattle wealth. Some cattles, specially, bullocks and cows are
imported from Bhangri area of the adjoing districts in Baluchistan province., the buffalo,
sheep and goat are of common Sindhi species.

A statement showing number of livestock in the district are as under:

 Livestock Number (in thousand)

Cattle 128

Buffalo 253

Sheep 85

Goat 112

Camel 1

Horse 1

Industries
Industrial Estate in Larkana was established in 1946-65 with aim to promote small
industries within the city. It consists on 59 acres and total plots are 313 the size of plots
are 1 to 2 canal. Till today 201 plots are allotted presently available occupancy is 20%.

Textile, sugar manufacturing and rice husking are the important industries in the district.
At present there are more than 500 industrial units of textile, food manufacturing, ginning
and pressing of cotton, rice husking etc.

The main cottage industry is the making of embroidered caps by women particularly in
Shahdadkot Taulka. This handicraft has good market in the towns. It is a source of
income to the poor people. There are other cottage industries namely, angoshahs, lungi,
and sosi.

Trade and Trade Centre

Larkana is the main trading center of the district. Shahdadkot is also an important trading
center for wheat, rice and fruit. The other important trading centers are Kamber,
RatoDero and Dokri. The cottage industry of embroidery caps particularly in Shahdadkot
Taulka has a good market in the district as well as outside the district. The main items of
trade like wheat, rice, oil-seeds, mangoes and guavas are supplied to other parts of
Pakistan.

Vocation of Larkana
Gas welding, Plumbing, Carpentry, Garment making/Tailoring, Gold Smith, Car/motor
repairing, Denting & Painting, Mechanized Farming and Gardening, Apprenticeship for
Sugar Industry, Cattle farming, Dairy farming, Rice and Flour mills, Textiles, Electric,
Wiring, Motor winding, TV, Radio and Tape Recorder service.
Banks Banking/Financial Institutions
In Larkana District, Habib Bank Ltd. (HB), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), United
Bank Ltd. (UBL), Allied Bank Ltd. (ABL), Askari Bank and Muslim Commercial Bank
(MCB) provide Commercial Banking Services, while Agricultural Development Bank of
Pakistan (ADBP) provides credit services for the farmers. A branch of small business
Finance Corporation is also there to finance small business enterprises. The Principal
business of the banks in Larkana District is remittance of money which comes from
Agricultural products and Traders, however lending of money from the banks is also
common among business community.

The agricultural Development Bank of Paksitan has a mandate to provide loans to

farmers for better production of wheat and rice. After financing , the bank keeps track of
its investment and on evolution of loan utilization is made usually land property is
mortgaged and a loan upto 61 percent of their value can be provided on which a 14.5
percent mark up is charged, some times present guarantee is also acceptable if the loan
demanded is up to 50000.00

The small business finance corporation (SBFC) has its branch in Larkana city to provide
loans to the farmers, traders by requiring a land ownership certificates as mortgaging
document.

The Muslim Commercial Bank Ltd. has started ATM Service in the Larkana city. It has
two ATM machines in the Larkana city, which has benefited the Traders and
businessmen in the walk of banking technology.

Hotels
HOTEL SAMBARA INN
Raza Shah Kabir VIP Road Larkana,Nearby Circuit House (D.C.O. House)

HOTEL SAPNA INN

Station Road Larkana.

HOTEL ROYAL CITY

Royal Road Larkana.

HOTEL GREEN PALACE

Royal Road Larkana.

HOTEL PARIS INN

Station Road Larkana.
Industrialization in Larkana District

The ever-growing population of Larkana and nearby districts calls for the development
and promotion of local industries particularly in the fields of consumer products. The
industrialization process will help to eradicate unemployment, poverty and crimes and
will contribute superbly in the micro and macro economic development in the sectors of
agriculture, industry and exports. The member of Larkana Chamber of Commerce and
Industry and the distributors of consumer products, food products and light engineering
products can be encouraged to capitalize the merits of enormous market potential.

Existing Manufacture Units

The existing manufacture units operative in Larkana are flour mills, rice mills, chilies and
spices units, processed foods, ice factories, oil mills, plastic pipes, steel pots, clay pots,
handicrafts, ready-made garments, candle making, simple to stylish bricks, furniture and
gold ornaments.

Potential Areas

The new manufacturing units that can be easily set up in Larkana are Seed Processing
Unit, Guava and fruit processing plant, dairy milk plant, animal feed, ghee/oil mill,
biscuit factory, soaps(all types), washing powder, tooth paste, pharmaceutical unit,
electric fans, small electric tools, crockery, cutlery, glassware.

The raw material, manpower, utilities, transport, bank financing, and all other salient
infrastructure is available here to set up the industries.

Incentive Scheme for Industrialization

Alike, many other industrial projects and Smeda’s Industrial Estate Lahore.

Feasible Incentive Scheme for Industrialization is portrayed hereunder

in a flow chart:

 Provision of industrial plots at subsidized rates.

 Provision of 20 year long term project financing at 8% mark up against land
mortgage and on the basis of commercial valuation of plots.
 Bank financing for floor-by-floor eradication of factory building.
 Bank financing or lease of machinery with tracker system to avoid theft.
 Provision of working capital for operative requisites.
 Mortgage of building and collateral of finished stock and relaxation of mark up
for initial 6 months.
Potential Projects Identified by SMEDA

 Modern Rice Mill

 Seed Processing Unit (Rice)
 Solvent Plant
 Guava and Fruit Processing Unit
 Chip Board Factory
 Cement Factory
 Tomato Paste
 Edible Oil Production
 Fruit Processing
 Dairy Milk Plant
 Amusement Park (zoo, fun land and water park)
 CNG Station
 Small electric tools
 Biscuit factory
 Soap and washing powder units