Since the partition of the two countries in 1947, there have been many disputes and much fighting over the border. Agricultural yield has been low because of the large number of sharecroppers who have little incentive to increase production. In an attempt to deal with the problem, reform and progressive taxes have been introduced. In the 1960's and 1970's, wheat production dramatically increased, due to the use of improved irrigation techniques and fertilizers. These increases enabled Pakistan to become agriculturally self-sufficient, but there are still occasional shortages of staple items.
Wheat is the staple crop, and sugarcane is widely grown.
Cotton and rice are the major export crops. Although the number of livestock per person is high, the production of meat and milk remains low because of inadequate feed and poor management. Goats and sheep are the most common animals, followed by cattle, buffalo, and camels. A woman's place in society is low, and she is restricted to domestic chores and to fulfilling the role of a dutiful wife and mother. In wealthy peasant and land owner households and in urban middle class families, women are kept in seclusion, or purdah .