Kalat is basically an agrarian district. Agriculture is dominant and horticulture is the leading sector, mostly producing fruits like apples, almonds and apricots. Due to vast grazing lands and the presence of vegetation on hilly tracts, livestock rearing and flock owning is also a major economic activity. According to the 1981 census, about 93 percent of the working force is engaged in farming and allied activities, followed by government and private jobs involving 7 percent of the working force. As far as minerals are concerned, fluorite, limestone and marble are present and during 1994, their production in the district was 196 tonnes, 20 tonnes and 43 tonnes respectively.

There are two cropping seasons in Kalat district, kharif and rabi. Kharif crops are grown in summer and harvested in late summer or early winter. Rabi crops are sown in winter and during early summer and harvested accordingly.

The main crops grown during rabi are wheat, barley, cumin, fodder and various vegetables. Kharif crops include fruits, onion, potato, vegetables, melon and fodder. Fodder is cultivated throughout the year, while fruits are produced in kharif season only.

In 1994-95, the total area under rabi and kharif crops was 31,237 hectares, of which 19,425 (62.18 percent) was under rabi crops and 11,812 ha (37.82 percent) was under kharif crops. The proportion of irrigated area under rabi and kharif crops was 77.6 percent.

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