Climate Change Threatens Date Farms in Balochistan – Urgent Crisis for Panjgur Farmers

Climate change threatens date farms in Balochistan—particularly in the arid district of Panjgur. As Pakistan faces worsening climate shocks, local farmers are losing their most precious asset: their date palms. These farms, which were once a symbol of economic resilience, are now at the mercy of erratic weather, dwindling water resources, and insufficient agricultural infrastructure

Panjgur: Heart of Balochistan’s Date Farming

Located near the Iranian border, Panjgur is home to over 160,000 acres of date palm groves. Known for its searing heat and dry climate, this region cultivates some of the finest date varieties in Pakistan, including Mozafati, Janshor Rabi, Sharifa, Barni, and Alina.

Date farming and informal cross-border trade are the primary sources of income for thousands of families here. According to the Agriculture Department, Panjgur produces dates worth Rs. 12 billion annually.

But the region’s future hangs in the balance.

Voices from the Fields: The Farmers’ Plight

Muhammad Ilyas, a small-scale farmer, knows the harsh reality firsthand.

“There is a serious shortage of water for the date palms,” Ilyas says. “We have no agricultural support or facilities. We use more energy working in the date fields because we don’t have machines.”

This year’s heavy rainfall damaged delicate varieties like Mozati and Janshor. “These varieties are easily ruined by water. Rain is good for some crops, but not for dates when it’s poorly timed,” he explained.

For farmers like Ilyas, climate change isn’t an abstract threat—it’s a daily, visible disaster.

The Impact of Climate Change on Panjgur

Panjgur’s farmers are facing flash floods, scorching heat, and irregular rainfall, which together have created a perfect storm of agricultural collapse.

The Climate Risk Index 2025 by Germanwatch ranks Pakistan among the most climate-vulnerable nations, highlighting ongoing, not isolated, hazards.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) states that:

• Water supplies are shrinking due to high evaporation rates.
• Irregular rainfall is leading to droughts and crop failures.
• Rising temperatures are stressing crops and livestock alike.

Agriculture in Balochistan is being pushed to the brink.

Local Processing and International Markets

In Panjgur, only one date processing plant exists. Its manager, Muhammad Yaseen, explains their limited operations:

“We purchase dates from farmers, process them into paste or packaging, and distribute across Pakistan. Some are also exported abroad.”

But the plant is working far below capacity.

Ilyas notes that if the government provided internet access and export support, local farmers could sell to international buyers in Europe and Central Asia. But Panjgur’s fragile security situation has led to long-term internet shutdowns, leaving farmers digitally isolated from global markets.

Government Action: Is It Enough?

Masood Ahmed Baloch, Director General of Agriculture in Balochistan, acknowledges the crisis.

“We are raising awareness on how to save crops and manage water during heavy rains,” he says. “This processing plant will help connect local traders with international buyers.”

But the support is limited, and the challenges are overwhelming.

Pullain Baloch, Member of the National Assembly from the Panjgur-Turbat constituency, voices his frustration:

“Panjgur is one of the most underdeveloped districts. The people are poor, and their livelihoods are under threat due to climate change, no electricity, and no water.”

“I have raised these concerns with the federal government, but no action has been taken so far,” he adds.

A Call for Urgent Climate Adaptation

Balochistan’s situation requires urgent and sustainable adaptation policies. The provincial and federal governments must:

• Expand irrigation and water storage infrastructure.
• Offer subsidies for farming tools and solar-powered irrigation.
• Improve rural internet access to open digital trade channels.
• Educate farmers on climate-resilient practices.
• Introduce crop insurance and risk-mitigation programs.

If these changes are not made swiftly, Panjgur may lose its historic date farming heritage.

Conclusion: Saving the Sweet Future of Panjgur

Climate change threatens date farms in Balochistan, especially in Panjgur, where farmers like Muhammad Ilyas are struggling to survive. From destroyed crops to disappearing water, the crisis is real—and growing. But with the right investment in climate-smart agriculture, infrastructure, and digital access, Panjgur’s farmers can regain their strength and thrive in global markets.

The time to act is now—to protect livelihoods, preserve a cultural treasure, and prepare Pakistan’s agriculture for the challenges of tomorrow.