Govt expects all-time high foodgrain production this year

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said the country's foodgrain production this year is likely to surpass the previous record of 259.29 million tonnes achieved in the 2011-12 crop year.

"I am confident that when we get second advance estimate in February, we will be approaching towards all-time record foodgrain production," Pawar said addressing the 85th annual general meeting of ICAR.

He said the data regarding sowing of rabi (winter) crops like wheat is very encouraging.

The country had a record foodgrain production of 259.29 million tonnes in 2011-12 crop year (July-June). However, the output fell marginally to 255.36 million tonnes in the next year due to drought in some parts.

This year, good monsoon has improved sowing of both kharif (summer) and rabi (winter) crops, thereby boosting prospects of record foodgrains production.