Growing Deserts, Shrinking Fields, and Rangeland Degradation in Balochistan: A Crisis We Must Address

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by land area, is facing an unprecedented environmental and agricultural crisis. Over the past few decades, unchecked groundwater extraction, climate change, and mismanagement of natural resources have transformed fertile fields into barren deserts. This article explores the causes, impacts, and solutions for the escalating water and soil crisis in Balochistan, coinciding with World Soil Day to highlight the urgency of sustainable land and water use.

The Root Causes of the Crisis

1. Over-Extraction of Groundwater

Groundwater, which accounts for only 9% of total water availability in Balochistan, has been over-exploited due to excessive tube well installations and now, unregulated solar-powered pumps. The water table is declining at an alarming rate of 2–3 meters annually, rendering springs, streams, and the ancient karez system obsolete.

• Unregulated Solar Pumps: The introduction of solar energy has exacerbated the crisis. Farmers, incentivized by subsidies to adopt solar technology, are extracting groundwater without restriction, further depleting aquifers.
• Evaporation and Water Wastage: Inefficient agricultural practices lead to high evaporation losses, squandering water meant for future generations.

2. Rangeland Degradation

Balochistan’s rangelands, vital for livestock grazing, are deteriorating rapidly due to overgrazing, deforestation, and prolonged droughts. This has resulted in reduced productivity, threatening livelihoods dependent on livestock.

3. Agricultural Mismanagement

• Water-Intensive Crops: Farmers continue to grow water-intensive crops like wheat and fodder despite the province’s arid climate.
• Irrigation Inefficiency: Traditional flood irrigation wastes significant amounts of water.
• Expanding Agriculture (1980–2010): Expansion during this period strained water resources, depleting aquifers and causing irreparable damage to the natural hydrological balance.

4. Climate Change and Droughts

Balochistan’s climate is becoming increasingly erratic, with prolonged droughts (e.g., 1997–2005) and high-intensity floods (e.g., 2007, 2010, 2012). These events have devastated agriculture, infrastructure, and water availability.

• Rainfall Variability: The province receives only 50–300 mm of annual rainfall, which is insufficient for recharging groundwater.
• Floodwater Wastage: Of the 10.79 MAF of floodwater generated annually, only 2.22 MAF is conserved, while the rest flows unused into the Arabian Sea.

Impacts of the Crisis

1. Desertification

Agricultural lands are rapidly turning into deserts as water becomes scarce and soil quality declines. The productivity of rangelands and croplands has plummeted, threatening food security.

2. Socioeconomic Instability

• Livelihood Losses: Farmers and herders, who form the backbone of Balochistan’s rural economy, are losing their means of income.
• Urban Migration: Water scarcity is driving people to urban centers like Quetta, straining already limited resources.

Opportunities for Sustainable Solutions

1. Harnessing Untapped Water Resources

• Floodwater Potential: With 8.57 MAF of unutilized floodwater, there is immense potential to store and use this resource effectively.
• Small Dams and Check Dams: Building small storage dams in upland areas can recharge groundwater and prevent flooding.

2. Modernizing Agriculture

• High-Efficiency Irrigation: Transitioning to drip and sprinkler irrigation systems can reduce water wastage by up to 70%.
• High-Value, Low-Water Crops: Shifting to drought-tolerant crops like olives, pistachios, and pomegranates can improve water productivity and profitability.

3. Regulating Groundwater Use

• Solar Pump Regulations: Farmers receiving solar subsidies must agree to water extraction limits as part of the subsidy agreement.
• Groundwater Recharge: Rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge projects can help restore aquifer levels.

4. Policy Reforms

• Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): Developing a comprehensive water policy that includes water laws, flood management, and land-use planning is essential.
• Water User Agreements: Farmers and water users must commit to sustainable practices, monitored by agricultural unions and local authorities.

5. Reviving Traditional Water Systems

• Restoring and maintaining the karez system can provide a cost-effective and sustainable water source for small-scale agriculture and domestic use.

6. Community-Based Initiatives

• Empowering local communities to participate in watershed management and conservation projects will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Afforestation programs can restore degraded rangelands and improve groundwater recharge.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The growing deserts and shrinking fields in Balochistan signal a crisis that can no longer be ignored. If immediate and coordinated action is not taken, the province faces severe economic, social, and environmental consequences.

On this World Soil Day, let us commit to sustainable water and soil management practices. The government must lead the way by enforcing regulations, investing in infrastructure, and supporting farmers in adopting efficient technologies. Farmers and water users must also take responsibility for safeguarding these resources for future generations.

By working together, we can transform this crisis into an opportunity for sustainable development, ensuring a prosperous future for Balochistan and its people.