ITShifts is a software house, but our work is not limited to screens. In District Charsadda we run a plant protection programme that works directly with farmers and landowners on the ground.
The focus is Populus alba — the white poplar, known to growers here as the Australian poplar. We help farmers raise it in protected environments, where young stock is shielded from grazing, harsh sun and pest attack during the years it is most likely to fail.
Alongside the trees, we help growers protect their standing crops — from pest damage, and from the harm caused by heavy or poorly timed pesticide use. The aim throughout is practical: healthier trees, healthier crops, and a better return for the farmer.
We help farmers raise white poplar from cuttings in protected nursery beds — fenced against grazing animals, shaded through the worst of the summer, and watered on a schedule. Stock that leaves a protected nursery stands a far better chance in the field.
Poplar borers, defoliators and crop pests can undo a season's work. We help growers identify trouble early, use the right treatment at the right time, and avoid the blanket spraying that damages soil, pollinators and the farmer's own health.
Most planting fails in the second summer, not the first week. We stay with growers through staking, watering and inspection, and we record how many trees actually survive — because survival, not the number planted, is the only figure worth reporting.
We keep the programme small, practical and repeatable, so it survives busy delivery periods instead of being abandoned after one photo opportunity.
If you farm in or around District Charsadda and want to raise poplar on your boundaries, or you are struggling with pest damage to your trees or crops, we are glad to help — there is no charge for taking part.
We also coordinate with agricultural extension staff, nurseries, schools and other groups already working on this. If you are running something similar nearby, we would rather support yours than duplicate it.
Reach us through our usual contact channels and mention the plant protection programme, and we will put you in touch with the team member coordinating the current season.