Tariq’s family has been cultivating the fertile soils of Dasht for generations, growing apples, peaches, cherries, and plums. “We used to have 6,000 apple trees,” Tariq recalls with a mix of pride and sorrow. “But due to the increase in average temperature, no rain, and extreme heat waves, coupled with the lack of electricity, we had to cut down more than half of our trees because they dried out.” This stark reality is a microcosm of the broader agricultural challenges facing the region.
The climate crisis has introduced unpredictable weather patterns that have wreaked havoc on traditional farming cycles. Tariq explains how the erratic weather has disrupted their harvests: “When we desperately need rain, it doesn’t come, and when we don’t need it, it pours.” The apricot harvest, typically ready in March and April, was still not ripe by the end of May this year. Similarly, cherry crops, usually harvested in May, are now expected to ripen as late as July or August due to fluctuating temperatures and untimely rains. This delay is entirely due to climate change, adding another layer of complexity to the already challenging farming conditions.

Economic hardships have compounded these climatic woes. “After climate change, the most significant challenge is relentless inflation,” Tariq explains. The skyrocketing prices of essential farming inputs like fertilizers have left many farmers struggling to break even. This financial strain has been particularly harsh in Balochistan, an area already grappling with limited resources. “Balochistan is a backward area with limited resources, and normal farmers struggle to keep afloat amidst skyrocketing fertilizer prices and diminishing financial stability,” Tariq laments.

Recalling the early 2000s, Tariq notes that farmers used to receive 8-10 hours of electricity daily, which was crucial for their farming activities. Today, this has drastically decreased, exacerbating their difficulties. “Electricity used to be our lifeline,” Tariq recalls, “but now, we barely get a few hours of it each day.” The severe drop in the water table, plunging from 600 feet to a staggering 1200 feet during the intense drought from 2008 to 2015, has further compounded their woes. “The cost of water boring became economically impossible for many farmers,” Tariq recalls, “forcing them to abandon their lands and livelihoods.”
These long years of drought had a profound impact on the agricultural landscape of Dasht. Before 2008, the region boasted around 200 thriving orchards, cultivating a variety of fruits such as apples, peaches, cherries, and plums. However, due to the prolonged drought and subsequent financial crises, only 60-70 orchards remain today. “The drastic reduction in the number of orchards reflects the severe economic strain and the exodus of farmers who migrated to urban areas in search of better opportunities,” Tariq explains.
Although a few rains since 2018 have slightly improved the water table to 900 feet, the damage inflicted during the drought years has left lasting scars. “The resilience of farmers like Bangulzai, who have managed to continue despite these challenges, underscores the need for urgent support and sustainable solutions to address both climate change and economic pressures,” Tariq says. According to him, the survival of agriculture in Dasht depends on comprehensive measures to combat inflation, ensure a consistent electricity supply, and improve water management practices, ensuring that future generations can continue to cultivate the land their ancestors have farmed for centuries.

The impact of the climate crisis and drought conditions has also wreaked havoc on livestock in Dasht. Ten years ago, landowners typically owned approximately 200 to 250 livestock each, relying on local shepherds to maintain and care for the animals. However, the severe drought years have taken a heavy toll on the economic stability of farmers and landowners, dramatically affecting their ability to sustain their livestock. “The financial strain forced many to reduce or abandon their herds, resulting in significant livestock losses,” Tariq notes. This downturn has not only devastated the farmers who depend on livestock for additional income but also the shepherds, who lost their wages and livelihoods.
The livestock department failed to fulfill its responsibilities, leading to a significant loss of trust within the community. “We have lost confidence in the concerned departments meant to support us during these crises,” Tariq explains. The cascading effects of the climate crisis have thus profoundly disrupted the traditional agricultural and pastoral practices in the region, underscoring the urgent need for support and sustainable solutions to mitigate these challenges.
The major water source for the people of Dasht has historically been rainwater and rainwater canals. Since the 1960s, over 800 three-part water drillings have been conducted to support apple orchards, significantly depleting the water table. Currently, only 500 tube wells remain functional, with the rest having dried up, highlighting the severe water scarcity now threatening the region’s agriculture.

Three decades ago, the fertile lands were home to three varieties of apple orchards: Tor Kohlu, Gaja, and Shin Kohlu. These apples were the backbone of the local agriculture, but as farmers gained exposure to different horticultural practices, they began to diversify their crops. They started planting a variety of fruits, including cherries, peaches, plums, mulberries, and grapes. However, prolonged drought years took a severe toll on the water supply, compelling farmers to pivot yet again. With water scarcity becoming a pressing issue, they transitioned to cultivating dry nuts and dry fruits. Unfortunately, despite this shift, the yield remains significantly low, posing a continuous challenge to the local agricultural economy.
Tariq lamented the devastating impact of climate change on his apple orchards, which once boasted 6,000 trees. “Due to the increase in average temperature, no rain, and extreme heat waves, coupled with the lack of electricity, we had to cut down more than half of our trees because they dried out,” he explained.
Farmers in Dasht are grappling with the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns that have severely impacted their cherry harvests. “Our cherry crops usually get ready in May, but the weather has been erratic. Winters are not as cold as they used to be, and summers are marked by fluctuating temperatures and unnecessary rains,” explained a local farmer. He expressed concern that if these conditions persist, they might have to wait until July or August for their cherry crops to ripen in the coming years. The changing climate is making traditional farming schedules unreliable, posing significant challenges to agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
“The floods of 2022 had a devastating impact on our area, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Floodwaters demolished our homes and swept away most of our livestock, causing immense loss and hardship. The standing water in our apple orchards for over two months resulted in extensive damage, destroying a significant portion of the orchards. This disaster has left our community struggling to rebuild and recover from the severe blow to both our livelihoods and our environment.” Says Tariq.
Reflecting on these challenges, Tariq expresses deep concern over the future of agriculture in Dasht. “If these conditions persist, winters not getting as cold as usual, summers experiencing unexpected cold spells, and spring (Bahaar) being abruptly interrupted by heat waves, farming in Dasht could be on the brink of collapse,” he warns. The unpredictable climate has disrupted traditional farming cycles, making it difficult to sustain crops. “In my opinion, if the situation doesn’t improve or come under control in the next few years, farming might vanish entirely from this area,” he adds, highlighting the urgent need for effective climate action and economic support.
The story of Tariq Bangulzai and his family underscores the resilience and dedication of Dasht’s farming community. Yet, it also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat inflation, ensure consistent electricity supply, and improve water management practices. Only through such efforts can the agricultural heritage of Dasht be preserved, ensuring that future generations can continue to cultivate the land their ancestors have farmed for centuries.