The export of rice recorded a phenomenal increase from Rs 274 million in 1971-2 Rs 1136 million in 1972-3. This sudden rise in rice exports was due to the secession of East, Pakistan, which used to consume the surplus rice produced by West Pakistan. In the very next year (1973-4), rice became Pakistan's leading export and continued to lead till 1983-4 when it was replaced by raw cotton, However, from time to time, rice still heads the export list, particularly in years when the cotton crop does not do well. Basmati rice is mostly exported to the Middle East. Other varieties are exported to various Asian countries.
Maize is a food crop which is only eaten by poorer families who cannot afford to purchase other grains. Maize is primarily used for animal fodder. As consequence , it is not a prestigious a crop as cotton or rice and is only grown in small quantities. Although maize is grown in many districts, it is largely a crop of the northern areas where there is heavier rainfall.
Where there is little rainfall, irrigation facilities are available. The NWFP is the leading producer of maize both in are production, followed by Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan grow very little maize. The main maize growing region is confined to a small area in south central NWFP. The secondary regions are east, north-west and west of this main region. Another extensive secondary maize growing area is found in central and northern Punjab.