Tensions Rise Along Border, Threatening Kharif Crops

India's recent targeted strikes against Pakistan under Operation Sindoora have escalated tensions along the border, creating increasing fears of delays in sowing the kharif crops in key agricultural areas such as Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir. With the wheat crop season almost over in these regions, the escalating tensions would be a serious threat to sowing kharif crops and thus destabilize food supplies in the next few months. The government and farm experts are concerned about the possibility of disruptions to agricultural activity in this crucial border region stretching 553.3 km of the border with Pakistan.

This border area is of tremendous importance not just in the context of national security but also of adding to India's food production. Punjab alone, for example, has only 1.53% of India's geographical area but contributes disproportionately to food production. It alone churned out an astonishing 416.24 lakh metric tonnes of wheat during the 2023-24 rabi season, being a major component of India's food basket. Punjab produces 27% of wheat on its own which goes into central pool, as national foodgrain estimates stand at 261.06 million tonnes for the year 2025-26. Any lapse in kharif sowing in this area has the risk of creating a ripple effect within India's entire food supply system.

Border districts like Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ferozepur in Punjab, Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, and Kupwara, Baramulla, and Jammu in Jammu & Kashmir are all major producers of kharif crops, primarily paddy. These districts are situated near the zero line and tend to see increased tensions at times of military operations. Border Security Force (BSF) personnel regularly work in the space between the border fence and the international boundary, affecting farm access and resulting in limited farming activity at times of increased tension.

Currently, farmers are harvesting wheat, but the looming threat of escalation is raising fears that preparation for the upcoming kharif season could be severely hampered. A senior agriculture department official stated that arrangements are being made to support farmers in the affected pockets. He emphasized that while the wheat harvest is safe for now, any delay in preparations for the upcoming crop season could prove detrimental.

Farmers in border pockets usually start sowing kharif in June, particularly paddy. Military operations and border dispute can hit logistics and availability of labor hard, which is essential during sowing time. One farmer in Amritsar said it was not Punjab's problem, but a matter of national food security. He urged the government to provide quick economic relief in the event of the standoff extending to the sowing time.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the fear is that fruit farming is likely to get impacted too if tensions are sustained. Major fruit crops like apples, apricots, cherries, and walnuts, grown mostly in sensitive border areas, could be impacted because of limited movement and no access to agricultural areas. If there is a loss of control over sowing or harvesting timing, it can affect yields and revenues for thousands of farmers.

In April, the BSF was forced to warn farmers in certain areas along the fence not to approach too close because of increased military presence. This has made farmers fear that planting may be postponed or even omitted if the situation keeps worsening.

Even small disruptions during the harvest season can impact both the quantity and quality of crops, particularly in areas that rely heavily on timely labor and logistics. Farm officials are watching closely and are making contingency plans to minimize disruption. Any sustained tension, however, could disrupt supply chains and damage the overall agricultural economy.

In Rajasthan, where kharif crops such as moong, guar, and bajra are mostly cultivated, districts such as Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Jaisalmer have a major contribution to national output. Ganganagar alone produces more than a million hectares of kharif crops, whereas Hanumangarh and Jaisalmer produce 500,000 and 750,000 hectares respectively. If kharif sowing in these districts is delayed, it will affect national crop production.

Gujarat, which relies on border districts for produce such as cotton and groundnuts, is also under a similar threat. With tensions escalating, farmers in these areas are getting more and more worried. Although sowing is still weeks away, uncertainty regarding access to fields and labor is already looming large.

While India keeps an eye on the emerging situation, it is clear that the spillover of the Indo-Pak standoff is not merely a security issue but could turn into a serious agricultural and economic challenge if not tackled.