Both Pakistan and India claim the region of Kashmir - in the foothills of the Himalayas - but it is split de facto down the middle by a line of actual control.
The two sides have mobilised infantry, artillery and nuclear arsenals on either side of the line, causing serious concerns for global peace.
Although demand for vegetables is reported to be sturdy, unless and until the threat of Indo-Pakistani war is completely ruled out, the growth of the fresh produce industry cannot be assured.
However, timely intervention by the UK and US has considerably improved the situation. US secretary Donald Rumsfeld said the situation was 'easing' but added the military situation on the ground had 'not really changed notably'.
The slight relaxation has brought about significant increases in sales on cabbage, romaine and leaf lettuce, as well as bell peppers.
The market has also been flooded with mangoes and bananas - resulting in large boosts in sales.
Although improved Indo-Pakistani relations have helped the industry in general, sales of melons, broccoli and tomatoes are believed to be casualties of the border dispute.
