Pakistan_ Balochistan is currently grappling with an acute drought and severe water scarcity, raising alarms for agriculture and food security across the province. According to a recent report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the cultivated area in the province has shrunk to just 7.2% of its total agricultural land. Experts warn that without immediate and effective water management measures, the province could face widespread food shortages and large-scale displacement.
Impact on Affected Areas
Areas like Hanna, once famous for their apple orchards, are now facing extreme water shortages. Lack of rainfall and dwindling water resources are causing orchards to dry up, jeopardizing farmers’ livelihoods. Local cultivators report that insufficient water has not only destroyed crops but also put their daily income and survival at risk.
Causes of the Crisis
Experts attribute Baluchistan’s water crisis to a continuous decline in rainfall and rapidly falling groundwater levels. Reports indicate that groundwater in the province is dropping 3 to 4 feet annually, directly affecting around 75% of the rural population.
Experts Recommendations
Agriculture and water management specialists emphasize the urgent need for:
- Construction of dams and water reservoirs
- Adoption of modern water storage techniques
- Comprehensive reforms for effective water resource management
They warn that without swift and concrete action, not only will the province’s agriculture collapse, but national food security could also face severe threats.
