Open AccessRainfall, Acreage and Wheat Production in West Pakistan: A Statistical Analysis
Author(s) -
Sarfraz Khan Qureshi
Publication year - 1963
Publication title -
pakistan development review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.154
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 0030-9729
DOI - 10.30541/v3i4pp.566-593
Subject(s) - cropping , production (economics) , agricultural economics , agriculture , gross domestic product , government (linguistics) , product (mathematics) , economics , agricultural science , environmental science , geography , economic growth , mathematics , linguistics , philosophy , geometry , archaeology , macroeconomics
Reliable knowledge about the factors causing variability inagricultural production is indispensable in the process of planning foreconomic development in Pakistan. This holds particularly for the majorfoodgrains, wheat and rice, which account for at least 40 per cent ofgross national product. If we can determine the extent to which factorsbeyond our control (e.g., weather) cause year-to-year fluctuations inoutput, we should be able to estimate more accurately the increases inoutput attributable to our own development efforts (e.g.,increased useof fertilizers, pest-control measures, etc.). In the case of wheatproduction in West Pakistan, our immediate concern is to study factorsthat determine acreage and production in any cropping season. Withreliable indicators of the probable wheat production earlier than themonth of September when official estimates are made available,government policy measures with respect to foodgrain import and storagecould be taken to ensure a more stable domestic supply and price level.