April 20, 2012

India's food grain output seen at 252 million tonnes

Due to bumper production of wheat and rice, India's food grain output this crop year is estimated at a record 252.56 million tonnes, two senior farm ministry officials said Thursday (Apr 19).

The government had previously estimated food grain output at 250.42 million tonnes for the year ending June. Last year, the country produced 244.78 million tonnes.

Higher wheat and rice output would help the government roll out an ambitious food-security programme while continuing exports of the two grains.