Gidder

Gidder Tehsil (Urdu: گدر تحصیل), also spelled Gidar, is an administrative subdivision (tehsil) of the Surab District in the Kalat Division of Balochistan.^[2] Formerly a part of the Kalat District, it was integrated into the Surab District upon its establishment in 2017.

Gidder is situated in the central highlands of Balochistan, located approximately 25 kilometers west of the city of Surab. The tehsil covers an area of 205 square kilometres (79 sq mi) and is characterized by its valley landscape surrounded by the Central Brahui Range. The elevation and geography make it a key region for temperate fruit cultivation.^[3]

According to the 7th Population and Housing Census of 2023, Gidder Tehsil has a population of 89,631, with a high population density of 437 people per square kilometer.^[1] The population is predominantly Brahui, with the Muhammad Hassani and Kambrani being the major tribes. Brahui is the primary language spoken by over 95% of the inhabitants.

The economy of Gidder is primarily agricultural. The valley is famous for its orchards, particularly:

• Apples: One of the major apple-producing areas in the Kalat Division.
• Onions: Extensive cultivation of high-yield onions.
• Winter Vegetables: The region provides seasonal produce to markets in Quetta and Karachi.

Due to the arid climate, agriculture relies heavily on tube wells and traditional karez systems, though water scarcity remains a challenge for local farmers.^[4]

The tehsil is administered by a Tehsildar and is part of the Surab District's local government structure. It consists of several Union Councils and mauzas (villages), serving as a central hub for the western parts of the district.