January 25, 2005

Indian '2004-05 grain output expected to fall 3%

India's food grain output in the July 2004 - June 2005 agricultural year is expected to fall nearly 3 percent to 206 million tons due to lower rainfall, the Ministry of Agriculture said late Monday.

Agriculture contributes around 22% of India's gross domestic product, and employs 70% of India's total working population. Wheat output is expected to rise to 73.03 million tons from 72 million tons.

Oilseed output is expected to remain unchanged on year at 25 million tons.