Domestic foodgrain production is estimated to have been at a record high of 233.88 million tonnes (mt) during 2008-09 and up 1.34 per cent from previous year’s output, according to the fourth advance estimates released today by the Ministry of Agriculture. The estimates are based on the feedback received from the states and validated with the information available from other sources.
Production of both rice and wheat are estimated to have touched a new record. Rice output is estimated at 99.15 mt, up 2.54 per cent from previous year’s output. Wheat output is estimated to be at an all-time high of 80.58 mt, up 2.55 per cent from previous year’s 78.57 mt. Production of maize also rose 1.74 per cent to 19.29 mt.
However, output of crops like pulses, oilseeds, cotton and sugarcane have seen a decline over previous year’s estimates. Pulses output has dipped 0.68 per cent to 14.66 mt, while oilseeds have declined 5.38 per cent to 28.16 mt. Cotton production too declined by 10.51 per cent to 23.16 million bales (of 170 kg each).
Sugarcane output declined by a steep 22 per cent to 271.25 mt as farmers reduced the acreage and shifted to other crops. Production of coarse cereals also declined over 3 per cent to 39.48 mt.
The record output in grains — wheat and rice — has helped to keep grain prices stable in the open market. However, impact of a decline in production of pulses, oilseeds and sugarcane last year (which would be further affected in the current kharif season by the errant rains) is already being felt on the prices.
