January 10, 2005

Indian Wheat Output Up 6% At 76m Tons

Smooth sowing of major rabi crop wheat and good weather conditions in all major producing states are likely to bring a record yield this year, an agriculture expert has said.

"We expect at least 4-5.5% increase in production this year," said project director at Directorate of Wheat Research, Jag Shoran.

Minimum expectation for wheat production this year stands at 75-76m tons against 72m tons last year, Mr Shoran said, adding that the output level could even touch a record 78m tons by the end of the rabi season.

The prospect for wheat production this year seems bright due to favourable weather conditions and soil moisture content, added Mr Shoran.

The wheat sowing area declined by 4% compared to last year. By the end of the rabi sowing season, total wheat acreage would be around 27m hectares, he said.