Report: Murtaza Zaib Zehri
In Gashguri village of Sabi district of Balochistan, the impact of climate change is increasing day by day.
The rural areas here, once known for their prosperity and lush green crops, are now facing severe hardships due to severe water scarcity and drought.
This situation is not only affecting the lives of local farmers but also negatively impacting the economy of the entire region.
The story of Muhammad Hafeez Gashguri
Muhammad Hafeez Gashguri, a farmer and cattle breeder, is a living example of the devastating effects of climate change.
They said that severe water shortage killed their animals and their standing crops also dried up. “Earlier there was not so much drought here. Now we have to travel several kilometers for water,” says Muhammad Hafeez.
Due to this lack of water, Muhammad Hafeez and his family have been forced to leave their homes and migrate to Quetta.
After coming to Quetta, they have fed their children by working hard, but it has been a difficult and painful process for Mohammad Hafeez.
“I have farmed all my life but now I have to do labour. It is very difficult for me,” he says.
According to experts, climate change in Balochistan is causing decrease in rainfall, increase in temperature, and increase in incidence of drought.
As a result of these changes, the agriculture here is severely affected and the farmers are facing severe shortage of water.
In Balochistan, lack of rainfall and rising temperatures are affecting farm production. Due to the severity of the drought, the crops in the fields dry up and the lack of water also makes it difficult to provide food to the livestock.
This is not only affecting the income of the farmers but also adversely affecting the economy of the entire region.
Environmentalists and farmers’ representatives agree that the impact of climate change on the villages of Balochistan is profound
Experts say that due to climate change, not only the rainfall has decreased, but the temperature has also increased. Both these factors are adversely affecting the agriculture and animal husbandry sector.”
The government has taken a few measures to address the effects of climate change, but these measures are not sufficient.
Federal and provincial governments are making efforts to effectively manage water resources, and various plans are being developed to deal with drought.
