Area:

The total geographical area of Quetta district is 265.3 thousand Ha. The reported area is 139.8 thousand Ha, which is almost 53% of the geographical area. The area which has not been reported so far is 47% of the geographical area. This is a matter of concern for the authorities as the settlement of the district dates back to more than 100 years, though almost 1/2 of the geographical area has not been brought under settlement.

This situation indicates in-efficiency and structural weaknesses of the Settlement Department. Times have changed, but the Department is still functioning traditionally. There is a dire need to restructure the Settlement Department on modern lines, so that it may prove an effective instrument for future Economic planning. Moreover, in the past, people were reluctant to get their land settled as they were afraid that such settlement would impose an additional economic burden in the form of rent. Out of the reported area 21.8 thousand Ha, 8.2%, is not available for cultivation.

The table shows that 13% of the reported area is under forest. The arable land, suitable for cultivation, is 39.7 thousand Ha and the area under cultivable waste is 43.3 thousand Ha. Thus the potential area available for cultivation in the district is 83.0 thousand Ha. This is the area which holds potential for future agricultural development.