October 20, 2003 

India and Pakistan:  agriculture IN KASHMIR AND SURROUNDING REGIONS

PECAD Geographic Information System Analysis: Kharif Crop

If a potential border conflict zone included Kashmir, Punjab and expanded into Rajasthan there is significant agricultural production at risk. Currently summer crops are being sown at the start of the Kharif season.  The major crops include rice and cotton in both Pakistan and India for this potential conflict region.   The Geographic Information System analysis is based on a conflict disrupting all agricultural activities in a 100 mile wide swath along the entire border of the states of Kashmir, Punjab, and northern Rajasthan having a total length of 800 miles.
 

Cotton Production: Pakistan and India

15 percent of Pakistan's total cotton production is from districts within 50 miles of the Indian border. While in India 19 percent of total cotton production comes from the districts within 50 miles of the Pakistan border.

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Rice Production: Pakistan and India

27 percent of Pakistan's total rice production is within 50 miles of the Indian border. While in India only 5 percent of total rice production comes from the districts within 50 miles of the Pakistan border.

PECAD Geographic Information System Analysis: Rabi Crop

If a conflict occurred at the border and continued into the rabi season wheat production, the major winter crop in the area, would be reduced significantly. Winter wheat is planted in November and harvested in April.

Wheat Production: Pakistan and India

26 percent of Pakistan's total wheat production is within 50 miles of the Indian border. While in India 14 percent of total wheat production comes from the districts within 50 miles of the Pakistan border.

For more information, contact James Crutchfield
 of the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division, FAS, at (202) 690-0135.