May 14, 2007

India's 2007 wheat output seen at 73.7-74 million tonnes

India's wheat output in 2007 is estimated between 73.7 million and 74 million tonnes, Agriculture Secretary P.K. Mishra said Friday (May 11).

"We have not made any change so far in our earlier estimate of 73.7 million tonnes wheat output this year. It's unlikely to be lower than this level and may be around 74 million tonnes," Mishra told reporters.

India produced 69.35 million tonnes of wheat in 2006, according to government estimates.

Due to slow market arrivals and government procurement of wheat this calendar year, there has been speculation that a rise in production on the year may have been much less than projected by the government.

However, Mishra said the government continues to maintain its output estimate for the crop.

He said the government is making a concerted effort to boost farm output, which has not shown any significant increase in the past few years.