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Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock & Fishing |
Resources
The statistics on land use reveal that only one fourth (24.6%) of the total geographical area of the district is reported and only 5.2 percent of the total geographical area is potentially available for cultivation. More than half of the potential area available for cultivation area is culturable waste. This situation indicates a high level of under-exploitation of the district’s resources. Most of the reported area is not available for cultivation. Time series data reveal that the area under cultivation is gradually increasing. It represents a healthy trend. Therefore, it may be inferred that if efforts are directed towards mechanisation, provision of irrigation sources, introduction of modern agricultural technology, and development of infrastructure like road and electricity, the agricultural potential can be fully exploited in Kech. Consequently, the agriculture based economy of the district can sustain.
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Land use 1994-95 |
Area (Ha.) |
% of total district area |
|
|
Total Geographical Area |
2,253,889 |
100.0 |
|
|
Area not Reported |
1,699,553 |
75.4 |
|
|
Area Reported |
554,336 |
24.6 |
|
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- Area not available for cultivation |
437,052 |
19.4 |
|
|
- Area under forest |
0 |
0 |
|
|
- Area under permanent pasture |
85,910* |
3.8* |
|
|
- Culturable waste |
67,934 |
3.0 |
|
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- Area under water logging/salinity |
0 |
0 |
|
|
- Arable land |
49,360 |
2.2 |
|
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Potential area available for cultivation |
117,294 |
5.2 |
|
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Source: |
Agricultural Statistics of Balochistan 1994-95 |
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* These figures are provided by the National Management Consultants (NMC) in reference with the Irrigation Department, however these are not reported by any other source. |
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According to the land use statistics only one fourth of the area in Kech is reported and 5.2 percent of the total geographical area is potentially available for agriculture. There is shortage of water for irrigation therefore agricultural resources are hard to be exploited. Moreover, due to employment in the Gulf states and the consequently high level of income, people are reluctant to work as agriculture workers. Average annual rainfall is less than 250 mm, therefore aridity is prevalent in the area. The area is well-known for its scorching heat in summer.
Wind erosion being a major environmental threat needs afforestation as a protective measure. Grey pollution also needs attention of public health planners which is causing severe health hazards in Kech district. Awareness amongst men and women about garbage disposal, etc. needs to be created at a vast scale.
Fuel wood and petroleum products are used as energy sources because the electric supply is either non-existent or not regular. Cross-border import has made the availability of petroleum products easy and affordable. No mineral resources are reported in Kech.
After an overview of the district resources it might be concluded that the district has potential for agriculture if irrigation water and agricultural machinery or labour is available. There is need for development of irrigation as well as water supply schemes and for availability of agricultural inputs, like fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides, on affordable prices