May 12, 2008

India's coarse grain production in 2007-08 to hit record, thanks to corn 

India's coarse grain production for 2007-08 would be a record 39.7 million tonnes, a 5.8 million-tonne increase from 2006/07with most of the increase in corn, which reached a record 18.5 million tonnes.

Production of other coarse grains in MY 2007/08 includes 7.7 million tonnes of sorghum, 12.2 million tonnes of millet and 1.3 million tonnes barley marketed in MY 2008/09.

The increase is largely in response to higher international prices as India has now emerged as an exporter of corn.

India's MY 2007/08 corn exports are estimated at 1.5 million tonnes, mostly to South East Asian countries and the Middle East. Besides corn, India is also exporting some barley.

In October-November 2007, India exported around 150,000 tonnes of barley, mostly to the Middle East and shipments are likely to continue in MY 2008/09.

India's pulse production in MY 2008/09 is officially estimated at a record 15.2 million tonnes, one million tonnes above MY 2007/08 production. Despite higher production, domestic prices continue to be high, making large-volume imports necessary.