Balochistan Faces Severe Climate Crisis as Drought Spreads Across Province

Balochistan is experiencing an escalating climate crisis as widespread drought grips major districts due to significantly below-normal rainfall. According to a new report from the Asian Development Bank’s Development Asia platform, the province’s cultivable land has shrunk drastically to just 7.2%. Once known for producing apples, grapes, wheat, rice and over 27 crops, Balochistan’s agricultural output is steadily declining due to acute water shortages. Experts report that groundwater levels are dropping by 3–4 feet every year, intensifying drought conditions and severely affecting 75% of the rural population. Specialists warn that without urgent measures — including improved water storage, better resource management and effective water governance — the remaining cultivable land will diminish further, potentially triggering food shortages and large-scale migration.