The Government of Balochistan has approved a major initiative to promote hydroponics and modern horticulture across the province, marking a significant step toward sustainable agriculture and improved water management. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), chaired by Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti in Quetta.
The meeting focused on development priorities under the PSDP and reviewed proposals aimed at strengthening the province’s agricultural sector. After detailed deliberations, the committee formally approved the establishment of hydroponics facilities and related horticulture development projects in Balochistan.
Provincial Ministers Shoaib Nosherwani and Noor Muhammad Damra were present at the meeting, while lawmakers Sadiq Umrani and Ali Hassan Zehri participated via video link. Senior officials briefed the committee on the scope, objectives, and expected outcomes of the hydroponics project.
According to the approved plan, the hydroponics project will initially be launched in ten selected districts of Balochistan. The government has decided that, based on the success and results of the first phase, the project will be gradually expanded to other districts across the province. The initiative is aimed at introducing modern farming techniques that allow higher agricultural yields with significantly less water consumption.
During the meeting, the parliamentary committee also conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing irrigation schemes and dam projects in different parts of the province. Relevant departments presented detailed briefings on the progress of existing dams and water management initiatives.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that producing more crops with less water is a fundamental requirement of modern agriculture, especially for arid and semi-arid regions like Balochistan. He stated that promoting advanced agricultural technologies is a top priority of the provincial government.
The chief minister noted that the hydroponics project has the potential to open new economic opportunities for farmers, improve agricultural productivity, and contribute to strengthening Balochistan’s overall agricultural economy. He added that sustainable agriculture is essential for long-term development and food security in the province.
Highlighting water challenges, Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that irrigation projects and dams are vital for Balochistan’s agricultural future. He clarified that dams under construction in Gwadar will be used exclusively for drinking water purposes, given the severe water shortage faced by the city due to a lack of rainfall for more than two years.
The chief minister directed authorities to accelerate work on ongoing dam projects in Gwadar and stressed the need for effective planning and timely implementation to ensure sustainable development across Balochistan.
