QUETTA: In a landmark move to modernise agriculture and tackle severe water scarcity, the Balochistan government has approved the use of hydroponics technology across the province.

Hydroponics technology is a soil-free farming method using nutrient-rich water to grow plants, providing direct access to water, oxygen, and minerals for faster growth, higher yields, and less water usage, suitable for controlled environments like vertical farms, greenhouses, or even space, using inert media (like perlite or coco coir) for root support or none at all.

This technology enables year-round cultivation, reduces pesticide needs, saves space, and offers precise control over growing conditions (pH, nutrients, light).

The decision was taken during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on the Public Sector Development Programme, chaired by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti at his secretariat on Tuesday.

The meeting, attended by parliamentary leaders from coalition parties, provincial ministers and senior officials, endorsed a major project to establish hydroponic facilities and promote horticulture.

The meeting agreed that hydroponics — an advanced farming system that uses minimal water while delivering higher yields — is ideally suited for Balochistan’s arid climate.

In the pilot phase, the project will be launched in 10 districts and successful results will pave the way for its province-wide adoption.

The initiative is expected to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs and accelerate economic growth.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing irrigation and dam projects in the province.

The meeting also focused on Gwadar’s water crisis as the district has been facing drought for over two years. CM Bugti directed the officials concerned that dams under construction should be reserved exclusively for drinking water and asked them to expedite their completion.

The chief minister said that irrigation and dam projects are vital for securing Balochistan’s agricultural future.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2025