Resources Gwadar
According to the land use statistics, only one sixth (16.4%) of the total geographical area of Gwadar is reported. The village area is known, but all other area is know as "being not reported". Only 3.4 percent of the total area is potentially available for cultivation and about 70 percent of this area is culturable waste. This situation indicates a high level of under-exploitation of the district resources. Most of the reported area is not available for cultivation. Time series data reveal that the area under cultivation has increased gradually except in 1995-96 for which data was obtained directly from the office of the Assistant Director, Agriculture Extension. There seems a discrepancy in the land use data provided by the Agricultural Statistics of Balochistan and those of the Assistant Director.
The district has forest on some area from where fuel wood is obtained. According to the Irrigation Department, pasture lands substantiate livestock farming. The district has a relatively high grazing capacity.
Gwadar district has about 600 kilometres long coastal line which provides great potential for fisheries.
|
Land use 1994-95 |
Area (Ha.) |
% of total district area |
|
|
Total Geographical Area |
1,521,603 |
100.0 |
|
|
Area not Reported |
1,272,752 |
83.6 |
|
|
Area Reported |
248,851 |
16.4 |
|
|
- Area not available for cultivation |
182,105 |
12.0 |
|
|
- Area under forest |
15,545 |
1.0 |
|
|
- Area under permanent pasture |
70,088* |
4.6* |
|
|
- Culturable waste |
35,842 |
2.4 |
|
|
- Area under water logging/salinity |
0 |
0.0 |
|
|
- Arable land |
15,359 |
1.0 |
|
|
Potential area available for cultivation |
51,201 |
3.4 |
|
|
Source: |
Agricultural Statistics of Balochistan 1994-95 |
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|
* These figures are provided by the National Management Consultants (NMC) with reference to the Irrigation Department however these are not reported by any other source. |
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According to the land use statistics most of the reported area in Gwadar district is not available for agriculture and 83.6 percent of the area is not yet reported. The water available is saline, not suitable for irrigation. The agricultural activities depend upon rain water only. There is intense need to promote saline water crops like oil seeds. However a long coast line has great potential for fisheries but it needs to be developed. Average annual rainfall is less than 250 mm therefore aridity is prevalent in the area. The climate is generally temperate in the district.
Wind erosion being a major environmental threat needs afforestation as a protective measure. The Sand Dunes Stabilisation Project has been started in the district. Grey pollution also needs attention of public health planners which is causing severe health hazards.
Fuel wood and petroleum products are used as energy sources, as the electricity supply is not regular. Cross-border import has made the availability of petroleum products easy and affordable. The district has not been explored for minerals. At present salt is the only mineral being produced in Gwadar.
After an overview of the district resources it might be concluded that the district has potential for fisheries and agriculture. To develop this potential small scale loans may be provided to the fishermen and boat-makers and salt resistant crops may be introduced in the district.