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Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008
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Record food output likely

Vinay Kumar

Estimated at 227.32 million tonnes

Rice production set to increase by 2 million tonnes
May have sobering effect on prices

NEW DELHI: The country’s total foodgrains production in the 2007-08 crop year is estimated at 227.32 million tonnes, about 10 million tonnes more than what was achieved the previous year.

Releasing the third advance estimates for 2007-08, Agriculture and Cooperation Secretary P.K. Mishra told journalists here on Tuesday that the assessment was based on feedback from the States and validated by information from other sources.

Key factors

Stating that all major crops including wheat, rice and pulses were likely to have an all-time record production, Mr. Mishra attributed it to well-distributed rainfall and improved weather conditions, among other factors.

The 2007-08 crop year would take into account standing winter crops including wheat, mustard and rice to be harvested by May. The period for estimate is from last May to this May.

Mr. Mishra said rice production at 95.68 million tonnes was estimated to be an all-time high, so would be wheat output at 76.78 million tonnes.

Coarse cereals production estimated at 39.67 million tonnes and maize at 18.54 million tonnes were also likely to be an all-time high.

Pulses production at 15.19 million tonnes and oilseeds output at 26.21 million tonnes were also estimated to touch an all-time record. Soyabean production was estimated to be 9.43 million tonnes, while cotton output was likely to be 23.19 million bales of 170 kg each. Production of sugarcane was estimated at 344.23 million tonnes, marginally less than what was recorded last year.

Compared to 2006-07, rice production was estimated to increase by about two million tonnes, wheat by about one million tonne, coarse cereals by six million tonnes and pulses by about one million tonne, Mr. Mishra said. Oilseeds production was estimated to go up by about four million tonnes and cotton by about six lakh bales.

Mr. Mishra said higher estimates of total foodgrains production would consolidate the gains already made. Though the total crop area in the country remained static at 141 million hectares, the increased production could be attributed to favourable weather conditions, good rainfall and distribution of quality seeds.

Officials in the Ministry said the estimates would not only have a “sobering effect” on the prices of foodgrains but also send a positive signal to the international market as well as traders.

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