Lack of rains and ineffective water policy affect crops of grape in Balochistan
Storage of water through reservoirs and then consuming it sustainably can increase production.
(Web Desk) – Balochistan is the famous for natural resources, mostly precious material including gold, oil, gas, etc. It is also a hub of varied types of fruits which are of their own kinds when it comes to tastes. Grape is one of the natural blessings which grow in abundance in various districts of Balochistan. Quetta, Pishin, Kalat, Zhob, Loralia districts are quite famous concerning this.
Pakistani farmers from the Balochistan Province are worried about lack of facilities including shortage of water for grape crops. Photo: File
There are around ten various forms of grapes that grow exponentially in these regions. Unfortunately, this season does not seem to be fruitful for this fruit. The crop has to undergo a huge loss. This year grape will be inferior in taste. Farid Ullah Khan in his report from Quetta explores the miseries of traders. They mourned over the shortage of water. On one hand, there are no rains and on the other, government has not helped them for making arrangements for water.
Grape production is also fairly low this year which will require more grapes from other countries to meet the demand of national market. The ultimate loss will be of Pakistani traders and even the government.
If government manages water for agriculturists and has proper check and balance over the production of grapes, it can yield billions of rupees annually. Photo: File
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When inquired from grapes’ businessmen, he said in winter, the crop of grapes needs rains because they grow amazingly when this happens, unfortunately there was no rain at all.
Another said we have to suffer gigantic financial loss which we did not expect. Moreover, the employment opportunities have been affected. We are overwrought at this moment.
Indeed water has become a rare commodity all over the country. Pakistan is already running short of water. The storage capacity has abridged to 30-day only as compared to 170 days in India. There is certainly a dire need of contrasting dams and reservoirs at the earliest. People should cooperate in the fund form by Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, every penny counts indeed.
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Most important all the government of PTI should undertake this matter which require intensive and realistic measures.
Making matters worse, the grapes’ import especially from Afghanistan has caused further damage to the profit of the traders. The production is also fairly low this year which will require more grapes from other countries to meet the demand of national market. The ultimate loss will be of Pakistani traders and even the government.