Audit Flags Rs200 Million Spending, Questions Performance of Balochistan Agriculture Research Farm

Quetta: An audit report has raised serious concerns over financial irregularities and poor performance at the Date Palm Research Farm Directorate in Turbat, operating under the Balochistan Agriculture Department.
According to official sources, the audit for the fiscal year 2022–23 revealed that nearly Rs200 million (20 crore) was spent on establishment and operational expenses. However, despite the significant expenditure, no meaningful progress was observed in research, crop improvement, or agricultural development.
The report noted that the primary objective of the research institute was to conduct scientific work on date palms, mangoes, citrus, and other fruits to improve yield, introduce modern varieties, and address plant diseases. Despite this, auditors found no effective projects initiated to achieve these goals.
Sources further revealed that the research farm is equipped with eight research officers, technical staff, and modern laboratory facilities, yet it failed to deliver notable outcomes in terms of crop enhancement or innovation.
Audit authorities questioned why no progress was made in research activities despite having adequate human resources and infrastructure.
Experts say that due to administrative negligence and poor planning, efforts to improve date production and quality in Turbat and the broader Makran Division have not materialized. Research on other important crops like mangoes and citrus has also remained minimal.
Agricultural experts emphasized that Balochistan has strong potential for fruit cultivation due to its favorable climate, but a lack of research and modern technology continues to hinder the province from fully utilizing its agricultural capacity.