January 10, 2005

Indian Wheat Output To Hit Record In 2005

With smooth sowing of major rabi crop wheat and good weather conditions in all major producing states, India should be seeing a record yield this year.

"We expect at least 4-5.5 per cent increase in production this year," Project Director at Directorate of Wheat Research Jag Shoran said.

Minimum expectation for wheat production this year stands at 75-76 million ton as against 72 million ton last year, he said, adding the output level could even touch a record 78 million ton by the end of the rabi season.

The prospect for wheat production this year appears to be bright due to favorable weather conditions and soil moisture content, he added.

The wheat sowing area declined four per cent as compared to last year; total wheat acreage would be around 27 million hectare by the end of rabi sowing season.

Loss in acreage would be adequately compensated by higher productivity in traditional wheat producing areas in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, he said.

However, the final word on actual wheat production can be said during early March when the grain filling would be at the final stage.