February 23, 2011

India's wheat production likely to reach 84 million tonnes

If current cold weather in India continues, wheat production is likely to reach 84 million tonnes, said Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.

"I think if the current cold weather continues, I won't be surprised that the wheat production will touch 84 million tonnes," Pawar said in his speech on the occasion of Mahindra Samriddhi India Agri awards.

According to the government's Second Advance Estimates, wheat production is expected to reach a fresh record of 81.47 million tonnes in the current crop year (2010-11).

The minister said that farmers should be given better price for their produce and they should be helped to come out of financial problems to motivate them.

Pawar said prices of wheat, rice and sugar are lowest in India as compared to any other country of the world.

"I am sure farmers will work hard and India will be self-sufficient in food," the minister said.