FAS: Pakistan Baluchistan Drought

The authorities in Pakistan and Afghanistan are appealing for international aid as continued drought devastates crops and livestock in the region. Officials in both countries have expressed fears that the problem will worsen this summer, as little rain is forecast. Some of the areas affected by the current drought have not had appreciable rainfall in several years. Pakistani news sources reported that almost two thirds of Baluchistan (the country's largest province), and the Thar Desert area in adjoining Sindh province, have been hit by the drought, forcing population migration. The neighboring area of southern Afghanistan was recently assessed by a UN visit as "very serious" but not yet critical.

Pakistan's authorities have been distributing food in the country's worst-hit areas for several weeks. However, as water supply wells are drawn down, population migration and stress to the regions' agriculture will increase. A senior government official in Baluchistan said the drought had affected roughly 10 million head of livestock.

Baluchistan, Pakistan: Cumulative precipitation as compared to 30 year normal.
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Legend for Baluchistan Precipitation Maps

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Limited rainfall results in scarce natural vegetation, as well as a largely nomadic life for a local population that raises camels, sheep, and goats. There are also cattle, water buffalo, donkeys, horses, and mules. Animals provide draft power as well as food, dung fuel, manure, wool, and hides. Overgrazing is rampant, especially in arid Baluchistan, but some 70 million sheep and goats provide a cash crop and much of the meat is eaten locally. Reportedly, commercial chicken farming is increasing dramatically.

The Zhob, Bloan and their tributaries form the two important alluvial basins in Baluchistan: the Lorlai and the Quetta. A major portion of the province's crops and fruits are produced there, including wheat, barley, maize, lucern, potatoes, apples, apricots, peaches, almonds, grapes, and pomegranates. In recent years Baluchistan has become known for its production of quality apples and dates, some of which are exported.

Baluchistan is outside the sphere of south Asian southwest monsoon current and therefore receives scanty and irregular annual rainfall (4 inches). Seasonal temperature extremes are common in the summer and winter.

Pakistan is divided into three major natural regions: the northern highlands, the Indus River plain, and the Baluchistan Plateau. The Baluchistan Plateau of western Pakistan has a varied and arid landscape of mountains, plateaus, and basins. The mountain regions are mostly barren of vegetation, except for the Toba Kakar Range which is sparsely vegetated with juniper, tamarisk, and pistachio trees. The mountains are eroded by rare but torrential desert rainstorms, but very little water ever reaches the dry basins (hamoon) between the ranges. The comparatively more important rivers are Zhob, Bolan and Mulla, located in the north-eastern portion of Baluchistan. The valleys of the main streams and their tributaries exhibit similar feature and consist of flat plains of alluvial soil in the center, with a pebbly slope of varying length rising on either sides of the mountains. It is from these pebbly beds that the supply of water for irrigation is chiefly obtained through Karezes.

For more information, contact PECAD, FAS, AgBox 1042, 14th and Independence Ave., SW, Washington DC 20250. Further information may be obtained by writing to the division, by calling (202) 720-0888, or by FAX (202) 720-8880.


Updated: October 19, 2004	Index \| \| FAS Home \| USDA \|

Southwest Pakistan (Baluchistan Province) Faces Severe Drought Conditions