Arable Land in Balochistan Shrinks to Just 7.2%, Agricultural Output Declines: ADB Report

Quetta (Daily Qudrat) — Balochistan is facing severe climate-related challenges as unusually low rainfall and poor water management have pushed most districts into worsening drought conditions. According to a recent report published by the Asian Development Bank’s Development Asia platform, the province’s arable land has shrunk dramatically to just **7.2%**.

Water scarcity has led to a continuous decline in the production of 27 key crops, including apples, grapes, wheat, and rice. Experts warn that the groundwater table is dropping by **3 to 4 feet every year**, intensifying drought and severely affecting around **75% of the rural population**.

Agricultural specialists caution that without immediate measures to address water shortages, Balochistan’s cultivable land will continue to diminish, potentially triggering acute food shortages. They stress the urgent need to expand water storage infrastructure, improve resource management, and adopt efficient water governance to safeguard the province’s agricultural future.