DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH BALOCHISTAN, ARI, SARIAB QUETTA

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF BALOCHISTANCONTENTSS.NO. ZONES & ITS DISTRICTS PAGE

NO.

1 UPLANDS ZONE 1

i Quetta………………………………………………………………. 2ii Pishin………………………………………………………………… 2iii Killah Abdulla……………………………………………………… 3iv Killah Saifulla……………………………………………………….. 3v Loralai……………………………………………………………….. 4vi Zhob…………………………………………………………………. 4vii Sherani ………………………………………………………………viii Musakhel……………………………………………………………. 4Ix Kalat………………………………………………………………… 5X Mastung………………………………………………………………

.5

Xi Khuzdar………………………………………………………………. 6xii Ziarat…………………………………………………………………. 6xiii Harnai………………………………………………………………… 6xiv Barkhan……………………………………………………………… 7xv Panjgur……………………………………………………………… 7xvi Awaran……………………………………………………………… 7

2 PLAINS ZONE 8

i Kholu………………………………………………………………. 9ii Bolan……………………………………………………………… 10iii Sibi………………………………………………………………… 10iv Jhall Magsi………………………………………………………... 11v Dera Bugti………………………………………………………… 11vi Jaffarabad…………………………………………………………. 11vii Nasirabad…………………………………………………………. 12

3 DESERT ZONE 12

i Nushki…………………………………………………………….Ii Chagai……………………………………………………………. 12iii Kharan……………………………………………………………. 13iv Washuk ……………………………………………………………

4 COASTAL ZONE 14

i Lasbella…………………………………………………………… 14ii Kech………………………………………………………………. 14iiiiv

Gawadar…………………………………………………………..References…………………………………………………………

1515-16

UPLAND DISTRICTS

Districts Area sq: km

Altitudemeter

Temperature◦c

Rainfallmm

Soil type

Quetta 2653 1700 m 01-1.7 ◦c34-36 ◦c

226-308 mm Sandy clay silt loan

Pishin 7819 1700 m 1.7 ◦c -0.1 ◦c34-36 ◦c

308 mm Clay silt

Killaabdullah 3293 1750-2450 m

0.1 – 1.7 ◦c35.4-35.9

308 Silt clay and clayey silt and sandy clay

Killahsaifullah 6831 1550-7170 m

Below 10 ◦c21-32 ◦c

271-392 Loamy, sandy loan clayey

Loralai 9830 1085-1676 m

0.5 ◦c35-37.2 ◦c

296 mm Calcareous sandy silt

Zhob 20297 0.3-0.4 ◦c35-35.8 ◦c

320-359 mm Clayey silt, sandy clay

Musakhal 5728 1200-2400 m

10 degree21-32 ◦c

325-750 mm Loamy, silt

Kalat 6622 2054-2.3-5.6

28-31.7 220-240 mm loam

Mastung 5896 1704-023.6 28.4 220-240 mm Clay loam

Kuzdar 5380 1237-0210 28-32 250 mm Clay, silt

Ziarat 1489 2454 m ( - )16 ◦c 20 ◦c 206 mm Loamy ,stony

Harnai 2500m Silt

Barkhan 3514 1200-2400 m

10 degree21-32 ◦c

325-750 mm Loamy, silt

Panjgoor 16891 900-1530m Below 10 ◦c32-38 ◦c

100-115 mm Silt loam, clay

Awaran 29510 900-1530m Below 10 ◦c32-38 ◦c

Silt loam, clay

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF BALOCHISTANBalochistan is divided into four agro-ecological zones such as:

1. Uplands2. Plains3. Deserts4. coastal 1. UPLANDS ZONE

(Subtropical continental highlands with dry temperate continental winter rains) with cold winters and general winter and spring rains. Upland were grouped further in to sub-Zone. The area above 5,000-8,000 feet like, Quetta, Pishin, Killa Abdulla, Killa Saifulla, Loralai, Muslim bagh, Zhob, Musa Khel, Kalat, Mastung, Toba Kakri, Toba Achakzai, Ziarat and Kan Mehtharzai or northern Balochistan were designated as sub-zone I. Sub-zone II comprised of southern areas of khuzdar, part of kharan, Wadh, Naal , Barkhan and Kholu. QUETTAClimate

The climate of the district is generally dry. Fairly arid climate prevails in the Quetta valley. District, Area Sq/Km, Altitude, Temperature, Rainfall and Soil Type

District Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil Type

Quetta 2653 1700 m 01-1.7 ◦c34-36 ◦c

226-308 mm Sandy clay silt loam

Vegetation

Artemisea maritime, cymbopogon, Nepeta Juncea, Astragalis, Shkarai, Andropogo, Camelarom, Juniper and Pistachio. (Shkarai, Andropogo, Artemisea are used as a fodder).

Major Crop of the DistrictName of District CropsQuetta Cereal Crop, Cumin, Pulses, Vegetables, Fodders, Sunflower, Oil

Crop, Tobacco, Pome & Stone Fruits, Berries & Figs.PISHINClimate

The climate of Pishin is generally dry and on the whole temperate. None of the different parts of the district present any marked variations. Quetta and Killa Abdullah, two adjoining districts, owing to their higher elevation are cooler than Pishin & Mastung.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil Type

District Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypePishin 7819 1700 m 1.7 ◦c -0.1 ◦c

34-36 ◦c308 mm Clay silt sandy

clay & Loamy

Vegetation

Salsolaspp, Holoxylon resurrum, Wild Pistachio, (Khinjak) wild flora and grasses. Pistachio use as a fodder for livestock.

Major Crop of the DistrictName of District CropsPishin Cereal Crop, Cumin, Pulses, Vegetables, Fodders, Oil Seed,

Tobacco, Pome & Stone Fruits, Berries & Figs.KILLA ABDULLAHClimate

The climate of the district Killa Abdullah is generally dry and temperate. The adjoining districts have somewhat deviating temperatures, owing to different elevations.The climatic conditions of the district are particularly suitable for fruits and vegetable.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area

Sq/KmAltitude Temperature Rainfall Soil Type

Killa Abdullah 3293 1750-2450 m 0.2 – 1.7 ◦c35.4-35.9

308 Silt clay, clayey silt and sandy clay

Vegetation Tarkha, Shorai, Makhi & Shkrai

Major Crop of the DistrictName of District CropsKilla Abdullah Cereal Crops, Vegetables, Fodders, Tobacco, Pome & Stone

Fruits, Berries, Figs Pomegranate.KILLA SAIFULLAHClimate

The climate of Killa Saifullah is semi arid (steppe). It can be placed in “warm summer and cool winter” temperature region.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeKillahsaifullah 6831 1550-7170 m Below 10 ◦c

21-32 ◦c271-392 Loamy, sandy

loam clayey Vegetation

showan Wild olive, shung (wild ash), ghaz (tamarix galica), willow, crysopogan, sympogan, Pistachio & various grasses. Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsKilla Saifullah Cereal Crops, cumin, tobacco, pulses, Vegetables, fodder Stone

fruits, Pome fruit, Nuts & Pomegranate

LORALAIClimate

The climate of the area is dry but varies with the elevation. At high elevation it is cold and dry with occasional snowfall and severe frosts. Whereas in the lower elevation, especially in the south and east, temperature is more uniform but hot in summer. The district lies outside the monsoon area, therefore the rainfall is scanty.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeLoralai 9830 1085-1676 m 0.5 ◦c

35-37.2 ◦c296 mm Calcareous

sandy silt, Loam & clay

Vegetation Juniper, Wild Pistachio, Wild Olive grow in lower hills. Acacia Modesta,

Glidetovbia Tricanthois, Ulnus Pennataramosa (alder), Gangu (Orthonopsis Intermedia) Gandenae (Nerium Ordorum), Leghunae (Daphne Oleoides), Tirkha (Artemisia), Makhae (Caragana), Oman (Ephedra), Cynodon Dactylom (Khabal), Desmostachya Bipinata (Dab), Peganum Barmala (Harnal, Spand), Haloxylon Qriffithi (Lana), Rosa Beggeriana (Surai), Nannborbops Ritehiana (Mazari), Acacia Modesta (Phulai), wild flora (Olive Leaves is use as a fodder).Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsLoralai Cereal Crops, fodder, Pome fruit, stone fruits, nuts,

pomegranate, and vegetables. ZHOBClimate

The climate of the district is cold. In summer the weather does not get very hot. In autumn the weather becomes very dry. The region receives heavy rainfall during summer.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeZhob 20297 0.3-0.4 ◦c

35-35.8 ◦c320-359 mm

Clayey silt, sandy clay

Vegetation Pinus Geranandiana (Chilghoza Pine), Acadia Modusta (Palosa), Wild Olive,

Wild Pistachio and also medicinal Plants/Bushes. Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsZhob Cereal Crops, fodder, Pulses, Pomegranate, Pome fruits, Stone

fruits, Nuts barriers, Olive and Vegetables.MUSA KHELClimate

The climate of Musakhel is semi-arid. It can be placed in the “warm summer and mild winter” temperature region. The region receives heavy rainfall during summer.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil Type

District Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeMusakhal 5728 1200-2400 m 10 degree

21-32 ◦c325-750 mm

Loamy, silt & clay

Vegetation

The vegetation in Musakhel consists mainly of grasses, spiny scrubs, Grass and fodder plants are fairly numerous in the district. Some are used as medicine. Other plants shrubs & wild Olive are used as fodder for goats, sheep, cattle, and camels. Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsMusakhal Cereal Crops, Oil Crop, pulses, Vegetables, fodder, Pome Fruits,

Stone Fruits, Nuts, Pomegranate and barriers. KALATClimate

The climate of the district is dry in summer and cold in winter. It is one of the coldest districts of Pakistan. Kalat city, owing to its higher elevation, is cooler than the rest of the district.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeKalat 6622 2054 m 28-31.7 ◦c 220-240

mmLoam clay, silt clay

Vegetation Juniper, Pistachio, mash monk (Prunus Eburnea), archin (Pranusamyydalug), wild

onion, Wild Flora, Wild Olive, Black Zira (cumin seed) and Medicinal Herbs.

Major Crop of the DistrictName of District CropsKalat Cereal Crops, cumin, fodder, vegetables, pome fruits & stone fruits

MASTUNGClimate

The climate is characterized by dry hot summers and mild to cool winters. The variation between day and night temperature is large in almost all parts of the district. Rainfall is scanty.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeMastung 5896 1704 m 28.4 oC 220-240

mmClay loam, silt loam, silt

Vegetation Juniper, Pistachio, mash monk (Prunus Eburnea), archin (Pranusamyydalug)m

wild onion wild flora, black cumin seed. Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsMastung Cereal Crops, cumin, fodder, vegetables, pome fruits, stone

fruits, barriers, nuts, Tobacco, Mulberry and Russian Olive.

KHUZDARClimate

The climate of Khuzdar is in “warm summer and mild winter”. Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil Type

District Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeKuzdar 5380 1237 m 28-32 oC 250 mm Clay, silt, sandy

clay

Vegetation Wild olive, tamarisk, dwarf palm, acacia, parpuk or loiro, belellium, guggul tree,

Hawe, gorkha, kashum, fodder grasses wild flora.Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsKhuzdar Cereal Crops, cumin, Pulses, Pome fruits, Stone fruits,

Vegetables, fodder, Nuts, Pomegranates and Tropical fruit. ZIARATClimate

The area is refreshingly cool in summer, from May to August. It starts getting cold in September and is extremely cold during November - March. In winter, it gets a good amount of snowfall.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeZiarat 1489 2454 m ( - )16 ◦c 20 ◦c 206 mm Loamy ,stony,

loam clayVegetation

Juniper, (accounting for the bulk of the forest trees); wild ash; wild almond; Olea species, Pistachio, (a medicinal herb), Wild Flora and Wild Shurbs.

Major Crop of the DistrictName of District CropsZiarat Pome fruits, Stone Fruits, Nuts, Cherry & Some Vegetables. HARNAIClimate

Not available

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeHarnai 891m SiltVegetation

Not available

Major Crop of the DistrictName of District CropsHarnai All Vegetables, Sugarcane, Cereal Crops, Fodders, Loquat,

Tropical & temperate Fruits and Pomegranate are grown on limited scale.

BARKHANClimate

The climate of Barkhan is moderate and not very hot in summer. Dust storms are common. The winters are cold, especially when the winds blow form north-west. Storms are common and sometimes they damage crops. Precipitation has two peaks a year, the monsoon in summer en western storms in winter.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeBarkhan 3514 1200-2400 m 10 ◦c

21-32 ◦c325-750 mm

Loamy, silt, clay

Vegetation Acacia, moetesta, gorgal, mourai, wild-figs, helanai, phulai and locally known

trees, beri, lai, shora, uzma, gunal, bubal, raga, Pesh (dwarf palm), Wild bushes, tirkha (artemisia), gangu (orthonopsis intermedia), gandenae (nerium ordorum), leghunae (daphne olcoides) and makhae (Caragana).

Major Crop of the DistrictName of District CropsBarkhan Cereal Crops, fodder, vegetable, Pome fruit, stone fruits, olive &

Nuts.PANJGURClimate The climate of Panjgur, is dry Arid.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypePanjgoor 16891 900-1530m Below 10 ◦c

32-38 ◦c100-115

mmSilt loam, clay

Vegetation Grasses and spiny scrubs, Grass and fodder, barshonk, sorag, drug, kandar. kahur

(prosopis spicigera), gazz (tamarix galica) or tamarisk trees, Fodder grass, pharmaceutical plants, aishark, guldir, morpuzo, danichk (Ispaghol), keraich and udesh , wild guan, chigird, gishtar and pish (nannorhops ritchieana).

Major Crop of the DistrictName of District CropsPanjgoor Cereal Crops, Pulses, vegetables, fodder, nuts, Pomegranate,

Barriers, Stone Fruits & Tropical fruit.AWARANClimate

The climate of Awaran is hot in summer and cool in winter. Dust storms are experienced throughout the year. The storms become very severe from June to September

when they are known as livar. Summer days are hot but nights are cool. The winter is cool.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeAwaran 29510 900-1530m Below 10 ◦c

32-38 ◦cSilt loam, clay

Vegetation Date Palm, Wild Fig, tamarix, willows, Otostegia Auohesi, Pyonotheco Spinosa

and Convolvulus Spinosus.

Major Crop of the DistrictName of District CropsAwaran Cereal Crops, Pulses, vegetables, fodder, nuts, Pomegranate,

Barriers, Stone Fruits & Dates.PLAIN DISTRICTS

Districts Area sq: km

Altitudemeter

Temperature◦c

Rainfallmm

Soil type

Kohlu Barkhan 7610 600-1200m Below 10 ◦c21-32 ◦c

Below 250 mm

Rock, loamy

Bolan 625-1250ml 175-325 mm Alluvial stony Sibi 132

625 m aboveAbove 9-10 ◦c

34-35191-312 Alluvial stony

Jhallmagsi 102 m 0-939-45 ◦c

75 mm Alluvial stony

Dera Bughti 450 22-39 ◦c 138 mm Silt clay silt loam sandy loam

Jaffarabad 102 m 0-939-45 ◦c

75 mm Alluvial stony

Naseerabad 102 m 0-939-45 ◦c

75 mm Alluvial stony

2. PLAINS ZONE

(Sub-tropical continental low land) The plain areas are also very hot in summer with temperatures rising as high as 120 degrees F (50 degrees C). Winters are mild on the plains with the temperature, never falling below the freezing point.With high summer temperature and late summer monsoon rains. It includes districts of Nasirabad, Jafarabad, Jalmagsi, Sibi, Bolan and Dera Bugti. The critical features of its climate are the high temperatures and clear skies, which prevail for most of the year, and the very low rainfall. Cultivation is possible only where water is available. Rainfall during the summer season is associated with monsoon depressions from the southeast, whilst winter precipitation is caused by western disturbances and occurs between

November and February. Winter rainfall is relatively regular, widespread and uniform and contributes mostly to ground water recharge. Summer rainfall occurs generally from June to August. It is of short duration and high intensity, therefore it does not contribute so much to recharge. Within the plains, there are four Agro-ecological zones:i) Zone H.1: The Arid Highlands, comprising the Khirthar Range in the west and

Bugti Hills in the north.ii) Zone P.1: The piedmont plain/outwash Fans including all lands at the foot of Arid

Highlands. It has been further subdivided into:a) P.1A: The northern sub zone, a plain with associated outwash fans 10 km from

north to south and 130 km from east (Guddu Barrage) to west (the eastern margin of the Kachhi Plains.

b) The Kachhi Plains:, north of the Pat Feeder Protection Bund up to latitude 29 degree N, approximately 50 km from Dera Murad Jamali, and

c) P.1C: The western sub zone, covering the area between the Khirthar range and EPB, excluding the Piedmont wetlands (P.2) adjacent to the EPB and Khirthar Canal.

iii) Zone P.2: The piedmont wetlands occurring along the Flood Protective Bund (EPB) and Pat-Feeder Protection Bund. These may be either seasonally or perennially (PFPB) flooded.

iv) Zone L.1: Manchar Lake.Most of the farmers of the plains zone have 0-50 acres of land. A few of the farmers have very large farms of more than 200 acres of farm landThe soils (89%) are heavy; clay or Silty caly. Eleven percent is medium in textureNasirabad is irrigated by canal and saline water is a serious problem in some locations.Bagh is flood is flood irrigated and is dependent on rainfall. Water scarcity is the main problem in Bagh.In Dhadar, water shortage is not quite so bad a problem as in Bagh, but salinity is more of a problem.

Crops grown in the PlainsWheat, Mustard, Chickpea, Lentil, onion and tomato, Rice, Cotton, Sorghum,

Fodder, squashes, melons and vegetables.The climate of the upper highlands is characterized by very cold winters and warm summers. Winters of the lower highlands vary from extremely cold in the northern districts to mild conditions closer to the Makran coast. Summers are hot and dry. The arid zones of Chaghi and Kharan districts are extremely hot in summer. KOHLUClimate

The climate of Kohlu is warm in summer and cool in winter. Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil Type

District Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeKohlu 7610 600-1200m Below 10 ◦c

21-32 ◦cBelow

250 mmRocks, loamy,silt

VegetationGrasses, spiny scrubs, angúr (vitis vinifera), barar (periploca aphylla), barau

(sorghum halepense), ber (zizyphus), ghozera (sophora grifithii), girdae butae (althaea ludwigii), Wild Rose, khar (suæda fruticosa), khokhae (allium sphærocephalum), kirar (capparis aphulla), leghunae (daphne oleoides), lúkha (typha angustifolia), mákhae

(caragana), manri, mashkanri, mazari (nannorhops ritchieana), pah, palosa (acacia modesta), pannangi (boucerosia aucheriana), parwat (cocculus leæba), pilu (salvadora oleoides), raghbolae, sába (stipa capillata), sargarae, shang (fraxinus xanthoxyloides), shezgi (eremurus aurantiacus), shinbutae, shorae (haloxylon grifithii), showan (olive), shrawan (pistacia cabulica), sinzalae (elaeagnus hortensis), spalmai (calotropis gigantea), spánda (peganum harmala), sperkai (carum copticum), surai (rosa lacerans), tamand, tamarisk (tamarix indica), tindan (alhagi camelorum), Titok (convolvulus spinosus), turwawasha, uman (ephedra pachyclada), urgalami (rhazya stricta), uzhgai, wild olive (olea cuspidata), wizha, wulla (willow), zandan, zardalu (prunus armeniaca), zarga (prunus eburnea), zawal (achillea santolina) and zhizh aghzai.Among these, spánda and sperkai are used as medicine. Most other plants and shrubs are used as fodder for goats, sheep, cattle and camels. Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsKohlu Cereal Crops, Pulses, Cotton, vegetables, fodder, nuts,

Pomegranate, Barriers, Stone Fruits & Tropical Fruits.BOLANClimate

Bolan district incorporates all kinds of weather types. The hilly areas are mild in summer and severe cold with snow in winter. Because of its low altitude, the plain area is extremely hot and humid in summer. In winter the climate on the plain area is pleasant. Day and night temperatures vary substantially. Dust storms are common in the plain area in the months of June, July and August.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeBolan 7499 625-1250 m Above 10 oC

35 – 54 oC175-325

mmAlluvial stony

Vegetation acacia, dalbergia, zizyphis, albizzia, azadricha, presepis juliflora, panicum,

antidetals, alhagae camalorum, wild flora and Medicinal Herbs.Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsBolan Cereal Crops, Pulses, vegetables, fodder, Tropical Fruits,

Sugar beat, olive and Oil Crops.SIBIClimate

A major part of the district is low lying and falls in the agriculture-ecological zone-I (sea to 625 m. above sea level) Part of it, the Harnai Tehsil area, lies 2,500 m. above sea level. The district is one of the hottest areas of the (Indo-Pak).

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeSibi 7796 625 m

aboveAbove 9-10 ◦c40 – 54 oC

191-312 Alluvial stony,loam,clay,silt

VegetationAcacia, wild ash, wild berries and various wild shrubs

Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsSibi Cereal Crops, vegetables, fodder tropical fruit, Tropical fruit and

Oil Crops.JHALL MAGSIClimate

The climate of the district is dry and hot. From November to mid of March climatic conditions are very pleasant. The remaining months are hot,

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeJhallmagsi 3615 102 m 0-9

39-45 ◦c75 mm Alluvial stony,

loam, siltVegetation

Precipice Spicigra (Kandi), Capparis Aphylla (Kirar), Salvadora Olevides (Khabbar), Sisyphus Ju Ju Ba (Bari), Calotropis Gi Gantea (Ak), Date. Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsJhallmagsi Cereal Crops, vegetables, fodder tropical fruit and Oil Crops.DERA BUGTIClimate

The area is hot and dry during summer, while in the winter it is cold and dry. Temperature statistics are not available.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeDera Bughti 10160 450 22-39 ◦c 138 mm Silt clay silt

loam sandy loam

Vegetation The area does not have much forest plantation. The important vegetation is acacia

and wild shrubs of different kinds.Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsDera Bughti Cereal Crops, vegetables, Pulses, fodder, tropical fruit and Oil

Crops.JAFFARABADClimate

The climate of the district is hot. The weather becomes extremely hot and humid in summer. The harshness of summer is prolonged over the months of May, June, July, August, September, and October. It is mildly hot in April. Summer begins from mid March and lasts to the end of October. In winters the weather is pleasant all over the district.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeJaffarabad 2445 102 m 0- 9

39-45 ◦c75 mm Loam,silt,loamy

clayVegetation

Acacia, Dalbergia, Zizyphis, Albizzia, Azadricha, Sesbania, Presepis Juliflora, Panicum antidetals, Halexylon spp, Alhagae camalorum.

Major Crop of the DistrictName of District CropsJaffarabad Cereal Crops, rice, pulses, Vegetables, cotton, oil crops and

fodder.NASIRABADClimate

The storms are common in hot weather in summer season.Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil Type

District Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeNasirabad 3387 102 m 0-9 oC

39-45 ◦c75 mm Loam, silt,

loamy clayVegetation

Acacia, Dalbergia, Zizyphis, Albizzia, Azadricha, Sesbania, Presepis Juliflora, Panicum antidetals, Halexylon spp and Alhagae camalorum. Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsNasirabad Cereal Crops, Rice, pulses, oil seed, cotton, oil crops and

fodder.DESERT DISTRICTS

Districts Area sq: km

Altitudemeter

Temperature◦c

Rainfallmm

Soil type

Chagai 50545 900 m 1.3—2.4 oC 42.5 oC

104 mm Calcareous loamy sandy stony loam, sandy loam

Kaharan 48051 701 m 1.3-2.4 ◦c45.5 ◦c

90-104 mm Clayey Sandy loam

2. DESERT ZONE(Sub-tropical continental Plateau) with cold winter, very hot summers and very little rain. It includes districts of chaghi, kharan, and part of District Panjgoor. The climate is dry and hot. Dust storms are experienced throughout the year. In summer days are hot and nights are cool, while winter is cold. The annual average rainfall in Kharan is 104 mm measured over the years 1993-95. In this period the average minimum temperature was 2.4 oC in January and the maximum temperature 42.5 oC in July and it is 700 m above sea level.

CHAGAIClimate

The climate of the district ranges from extreme hot in summer to severe cold in winter. The difference between day and night temperatures is considerable and the climatic conditions vary from area to area.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeChagai 50545 Up to 457 m 1.3—2.4 oC

38-42.5 oC104 mm Calcareous

loamy sandy stony loam, sandy loam

Vegetation Grasses are Moger (Atriplex Dimorphostegium), Kash (Sacchorum Siliare), Righith

(Suoeda Monica), Shanaluk (Allium Rubellum). Among the bushes Hashwarg (Rhozya Stricta), Pog (Calegnum Polygonaides) Cotor (Stockcia Brohiuca), Lara (Salsola Kali), Kandar (Alhogi Camalorum), Barshonk, Karwankush, Narronk (Salsola Arbuscula) and Tusso (Gaillania Aucheri). Salsola spp: Haloxylon recurvum, wild pistachio, Gaz (Tamarix Articula) and Taghaz (Haloxylon Amodendron).Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsChagai Cereal Crops, vegetable, fodder, tropical fruits, Pomegranate,

and cotton.KHARANClimate

The climate of Kharan is dry. Dust storms are common throughout the year. These storms become very severe during the period of summer from June to September. During the summer season, days are hot but nights are very pleasant and cool. The winter is dry and cold.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeKaharan 48051 715 m 1.3-2.4 ◦c

45.5 ◦c 90 - 104 Clay,loam &

silt

Vegetation Wild fig, tamarix , Willows, wild vine, wild Pistachio,grass and bush “Alony”,

Gaz, Tagaz and Ispaghol.Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsKaharan Cereal Crops, Pulses, vegetables, fodder, nuts, Pomegranate,

Barriers, Stone Fruits & Tropical Fruit,.COASTAL DISTRICTS

Districts Area sq: km

Altitudemeter

Temperature◦c

Rainfallmm

Soil type

Lasbella 15153 39-80 m 8.3 – 18.6 ◦c35-43.3 ◦c

192 – 207.6 mm

Sandy Loam Silt & Loam

Kech 22539 100-1400 m 10– 21 ◦c44.8 ◦c

100-155 mm

Alluvial silt loamy clayey

Gawadar 12637 0-300 m 18-190 ◦c21-320 ◦c

71.3-172.1 mm

Alluvial soil and lithosols, regoso,

pebbles,s and gravel silt & sand.

3. COASTAL ZONEIt has moderate temperature and low rainfall. It include of Lasbella, Gawadar, Kech, and part of Panjgoor. The climate, soil and crop and fruits of this coastal zone under the heading of each district are as under:

LASBELLAClimate

The weather is generally fine. The winter extends from October to January, but in February and March the climate is moderate. April to September constitute summer. During the hottest months of May and June.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeLasbella 15153 39-80 m 35-43.3 ◦c

8.3 – 18.6192 – 207.6 mm

Sandy, loamy & silt

Vegetation euphoriba, nerifolia caragana polyacanthea, convolvulus spinosus, fagonia

arabica, acacia rupestria, astragali, Cappains aphylla, salsoa (leafless), fan palm, tamansk (kirri) and mangrove swamps.Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsLasbella Cereal Crops, fodder, pulses, all kinds of vegetables, Oil crops

(Castor, Seasmum, & oil palm, coconut), tropical fruits and celicornia.

KECHClimate

The climate is dry arid hot. It is placed in “hot summer and mild winter” temperature region. Summer is not only hot but also long. It continues from March through November (9 months) while winter starts in December and continues till February (3 months). June is the hottest month and January the coldest.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeKech 22539 100-1400 m 44.8 ◦c below

10 ◦c – 210 ◦c100-155 mm

Alluvial silt loamy clay

Vegetationbarshonk, sorag, drug, kandar, kahur (prosopis spicigera), gazz (tamarix galica),

Medicinal Plant aishak, lantoo, danichk (Ispaghol), shrish are also found in the area. chigird, kabarr, babbur, kharak, chish, kahsh, gwanick, gunsh and dwarf Plan. Major Crop of the District

Name of District CropsKech Cereal Crops, pulses. Vegetables, fodder & Tropical Fruits.

GAWADARClimate

The climate of Gawadar is dry arid hot. It is placed in “warm summer and mild winter” temperature region. The oceanic influence keeps the temperature lower than that in the interior in summer and higher in winter.

Rainfall, Temperature, Altitude and Soil TypeDistrict Area Sq/Km Altitude Temperature Rainfall Soil TypeGawadar 12637 0-300 m 18-190 ◦c

21-320 ◦c71.3-172.1

Alluvial soil and lithosols, regoso is pebbles,s gravel, silt, loam & sand.

Vegetation Grass, chish (acacia), chigird, kahur (prosopis spicigera), gazz (tamarix galica),

pish (nannorhops ritchieana), sone Medicenal Plant like included aishak, guldir, morpuzo, danichk (Ispaghol), keraich and udesh.

Major Crop of the DistrictName of District CropsGawadar Cereal Crops, pulses. Vegetables, Tropical & Fruits.

REFERENCES: Government of Pakistan 1962 District Census Report of Chagai, Islamabad:

Population Census Organization. Government of Pakistan 1972 District Census Report of Chagai, Islamabad:

Population Census Organization. Government of Pakistan 1981 District Census Report of Chagai, Islamabad:

Population Census Organisation 1983. Government of Balochistan - Agricultural Statistics of Balochistan 1994-95, Quetta

Statistical Wing, Directorate General of Agriculture Department, Government of Balochistan.

Government of Pakistan, 1990 Census of Agriculture: Balochistan Vol-II. Part 4 Lahore: Economic Affairs and Statistics Division, Agricultural Census Organization, Government of Pakistan 1994.

Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Census of Livestock 1976: Final Report Lahore Statistics Division, Agricultural Census Organization Government of Pakistan.

Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Census of Livestock 1986: Vol-II Part -4 Lahore Statistics Division, Agricultural Census Organization, Government of Pakistan.

The Gazetteer of Balochistan: Chagai, Quetta: Gosha-e-Adab, 1986. Environmental Profile of Balochistan by Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI). Brief on Progress of work on Saindak Copper Gold Project by Government of

Pakistan, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, 1996. An analysis of the situation of women and children in Balochistan UNICEF Quetta

and Government of Balochistan, 1995.

Brief on Saindak Copper Gold Project by Resource Development Corporation, Quetta.

Geological Survey of Pakistan, Mineral Resources of Balochistan. S.Sajid Hussain Gilani and Javad Ahmed Khan, District Profile Chagai, 1993. Syed M. Arif, Agricultural Economy of Balochistan Quetta 1991. Shah Mahmood Ali, Sardari Jirga and Local Government Systems in Balochistan,

Quetta, Qasim Printer, 1992.