Balochistan govt to promote climate resilient, low water consuming farming
QUETTA (APP): The Balochistan government has initiated multiple measures to promote less water-intensive species like olives, pine nuts and pistachio due to the prevailing climate change situation in the area.
Pistachio being a climate-resilient and low-water-consuming crop could be grown in the cold areas of Balochistan without a conventional irrigation system.
The environment of cold regions of Balochistan including Quetta, Zhob, Killa Saifullah, Pishin, Mastung, Khuzdar and Kalat districts was the best for pistachio cultivation and its higher production.
Balochistan agriculture minister Asadullah Baloch said the department is encouraging farmers to cultivate pistachio, olive, saffron and other low water consuming trees in the colder areas of the province, especially Quetta division, to yield its optimum production.
The objective of the initiative was to divert local farmers’ attention from growing traditional wheat crops and focus on cultivating high-value crops, he said while talking to APP on Wednesday.
It was a pilot project of the agriculture department and the farming was being carried out at designated sites of the centre showing positive results with respect to germination, seed multiplication and community response, he added.
Baloch said the department was carrying out research and working with farmers to improve cultivation techniques.
The Balochistan government was taking steps to enhance the export of fruits and vegetables to boost the agro sector, he added.
“It will also help promote value chain development for generating sustainable income for local communities from the products,” he added.
Meanwhile, Balochistan besides huge natural resources also has another untapped potential in the form of delicious and unique plants which need the authorities’ attention as the province is facing a decline in production due to no processing facilities.
“Holding the national games in Quetta was an honour for us that will help us build a better image of the province,” he added.
The secretary noted that more than 6,000 players and more than 1,000 officials from all over the country will participate in the National Games.
“All possible facilities will be provided to the players and officials coming from all over the country,” he maintained.
